National Assembly Deputy Speaker Prof. Dr Vladimir Marinkovic addressed the assembly on the behalf of the Economic Caucus, which had organised the gathering in cooperation with NALED and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. He said that the dedication of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the National Assembly to reforms and the creation of a favourable business environment conducive to foreign and domestic investment, has made it possible for one of the biggest companies in the world to present its potentials and cooperation prospects to Serbian businessmen.

“This shows that Serbia is on a good track and works on becoming a country of entrepreneurship, modern economy and investments which will in turn create new jobs”, stressed Deputy Speaker Marinkovic. He wished all present that the imminent talks result in concrete achievements which would create new jobs and introduce new technologies and enable the further development of Serbia.

The gathering was attended by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic who said that Serbia is prepared to offer subsidies to help the numerous Serbian companies that are potential suppliers for General Electric, one of the largest US companies, as well as for other major global companies. He said that Serbia will be a pillar of stability in this part of the world and the presence of the biggest global companies will have a major impact on the country's political stability.

The General Electric CEO for South-Eastern Europe, Gaetano Massara, said that the company wished to put its technological achievements and financial structure at Serbia’s disposal, and wished to work on a great many important projects in Serbia in the field of the use of wind energy, healthcare and oil and gas exploitation.

Speaking of the announced investment in Serbia worth one billion euros, Massara said it could bring 500 new work positions to Serbia and incomes of several million euros. He mentioned four major investment projects in the field of healthcare – the reconstruction of major clinical centres in Belgrade, Nis, Novi Sad and Kragujevac. He added that General Electric is ready to put at Serbia’s disposal technology, medical equipment and a network of partners it can cooperate with, support Serbia in the construction of gasworks and cooperate with NIS and Srbijagas.

US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby also addressed the assembly saying that the Serbian Government is clearly using the chance to offer its major companies to cooperate with serious US companies.

“Prime Minister Vucic promised to help realise all the activities and I hope it will result in new posts and trade” said the US Ambassador.

Economic Caucus member Zoran Babic said that by organising an event such as the Suppliers’ Day the National Assembly had assumed the role of mediator between a globally powerful company such as General Electric and its future partners among Serbian companies, while the Vice Chairperson of the NALED Managing Board Ana Brnabic noted that not many countries would open the doors of their parliament to a company like the National Assembly did.

The assembly was also addressed by Marko Cadez, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce who presented the advantages of doing business in Serbia and free trade agreements. The meeting also offered a presentation of the General Electric business dealings and the chance for a series of meetings between representatives of Serbian companies and General Electric.