BACKGROUND:
USAID’s Competitiveness Support Project is a two-year direct grant to the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED). The overall objective of the project is to improve the business enabling environment through increased fairness and improved competitiveness and to create inspiring surroundings for business operations.
ACTIVITIES:
The project activities are based on priorities identified by the private sector and the Government of Serbia (GoS).
The project focuses on achieving two key objectives:
- Increasing public awareness of:
- the negative effects of the shadow economy,
- the incentives of moving into the regular economy.
- Re-developing a brownfield site to serve as a replicable model for the rest of the country.
RESULTS:
Under the project NALED performed and published the “Analysis on Thirteen Inspectorates” identifying the main issues in the sector of inspections. This analysis serves as a model for the GoS on how to approach analyzing its entities;
NALED became a recognized partner in the Government of Serbia’s efforts to stem the shadow economy. The GoS appointed NALED to lead the Expert Group tasked to develop the draft National Program for Combatting the Shadow Economy;
Through several rounds of surveys among citizens and businesses, NALED is tracking the public perception and reaction to the shadow economy. Periodic press conferences serve to continually raise awareness among the public about the effects of the shadow economy;
The first phase of the Vršac Army club brownfield revitalization project was completed in June 2015. It was transformed into an inspirational space for the public and entrepreneurs to boost the municipality’s tourist and cultural offerings;
NALED organized a study tour to the Netherlands to help other municipalities adopt best practices in brownfield revitalization.
Project funded by:
U.S. Agency for International Development; USAID/Serbia
Project implemented by:
National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED)
Key counterparts:
Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, select municipal governments, business associations.
Where we work:
Nationwide
Project duration:
December 2013 to December 2015
Total amount:
$761,116
USAID contribution: $441,400
NALED contribution: $319,716
Contact:
Makedonska 30/VII
Belgrade 11000 Serbia
Phone: + 381-11-3373-063
Fax: + 381-11-3373-061
E-mail: naled@naled-serbia.org
Website: www.naled-serbia.org