USAID Mission Director tours two successful SMEs from Sandzak

The visit was a perfect opportunity for the new Mission Director to learn about the efficiency of USAID activities to improve economic stability in Serbia through support for small- and medium-size enterprises. The companies are among the most successful SMEs in Sandzak and two out of 80 benefiting from the business support activities organized by USAID Economic Security Program.

Successful small- and medium-sized enterprises like Stig and Milkop are one of the backbones of economic development of their communities. Exports to markets across the world improves sales and enable the SMEs to expand their production capacities, open new work places and improve economic stability of the entire country.

USAID-supported companies from Sandzak and South Serbia recorded $10 million in sales from participation in USAID business support activities.

Belgrade / Novi Pazar, October 28/29, 2010: New USAID Mission Director in Serbia Ms. Suzan Fritz made her first official visit to Novi Pazar and Sandzak region and toured production sites of two companies participating in USAID Economic Security Program – Stig and Milkop. The visit was a perfect opportunity for the new Mission Director to learn about the efficiency of USAID activities to improve economic stability in Serbia through support for small- and medium-size enterprises. The companies are among the most successful SMEs in Sandzak and two out of 80 benefiting from the business support activities organized by USAID Economic Security Program.

Successful small- and medium-sized enterprises like Stig and Milkop are one of the backbones of economic development of their communities. Exports to markets across the world improves sales and enable the SMEs to expand their production capacities, open new work places and improve economic stability of the entire country.

To help companies from Sandzak overcome the obstacles to business success, USAID’s Economic Security Program implements a multi-level business support activity that provides management, marketing and sales training for 80 small-and medium-sized companies from Sandzak. The USAID project also helps companies update marketing and branding materials and prepares them to enter domestic and international business fairs to help them open new markets and expand sales. Since 2008, Trade Fairs helped USAID supported companies generate $10 million in new sales and enter new markets throughout the region as well as Germany, Russia, Belarus and Czech Republic.

More About The Companies:

Milkop is one of the most successful dairies in Raska and 15th largest dairy in Serbia. Its annual revenues are reported at $10.3 million; the company exports 25% of its production to markets in Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro. Thanks to the USAID Economic Security Program the company managed to nearly double its revenues, from $5.6 million in 2008 to $10.3 million in 2009. They currently employ 103 people and cooperate with over 500 farmers in the region.

Stig from Novi Pazar designs and manufactures a full-line of children’s clothing. Its products include those made from twill, cotton, denim, velvet and fleece.They have recently signed lucrative export deals with retailers in Russia and Belorussia, with plans to expand to Swiss market in the near future. Their annual revenues are reported at $400,000; the company exports 10% of its production. During their participation in USAID Economic Security Programs they have participated in important trade fares in Moscow, Zagreb and Belgrade.

For More Information:

United States Agency for International Development - Mission in Serbia

http://Serbia.usaid.gov

USAID PPES Business Support and Internship Activities:

(please contact our Communications Office)

www.scopes-serbia.org/index.php/en/contactus

Stig Company:

www.stigfashion.com

Milkop Dairy:

www.milkop.net

Other Relevant Links:

Association of Textile Producers - ASSTEX

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