Zoran Djorojevic, CEO says, “We are trying to learn from the most successful chains in Europe and the United States and to apply their techniques to our market, our business and our retail stores. When we first launched the company we were only involved in wholesale but then realized that the best way to position ourselves was to have our own retail stores. We now have 19 stores, one pharmacy and tree hair dresser saloons all adjoining the retail stores. The plan is to continue opening both retail stores and pharmacies within or adjoining our cosmetics stores, similar to the Boots chain in the United Kingdom.”

Cosmetics Market is achieving annual turnover of €18 million to €20 million (US$25 million to US$28 million), in spite of the small size of the Montenegro market. Expanding abroad is the natural next step. Djorojevic explains, “We are looking into opportunities in the region. Currently, we are already cooperating with a company in Albania that we allow to use our logo, brand and stores image. This company is opening four stores like ours, which will help us gain brand recognition.”

Djorojevic adds that serendipity has played a factor in Cosmetic Market’s success. He says, “In 1998 local investors were picking different industries to launch enterprises in and we chose cosmetics. It was a lucky guess! Even our name was chosen by chance and later we found out that in the United States there is a chain also called ‘cosmetics market’.” While good luck has played a role, Cosmetics Market would never have achieved its impressive successes without strong management, forward thinking business strategies, and the support of international partners who have confidence in the company’s prospects.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been a key partner for Cosmetics Market and is currently helping the company with its expansion plans. Djorojevic says, “The EBRD’s loan allowed us to invest a lot into the company, among all in Microsoft operating systems which also helped us gain insight into our business. We are now looking to expand into other markets and we are working with EBRD on this.”

In addition to planning to expand throughout the region, Cosmetics Market is also eyeing the United States market and is looking for a partner with expertise in American market. Djorojevic says, “Last year we were visited by AT Kearney consulting agency in cooperation with the EBRD concerning better organization and raising efficiency of the company. We are looking for a partner with expertise in the United States to help us establish our presence here and in the region. We need a partner that knows the American market and can successfully apply the experience from that on Montenegrin market. What we need assistance the most is parapharmacy as pharmaceutical sector is the one we plan to develop and focus our attention to. As the EBRD can verify, we are committed to being a transparent, open and reliable business partner.”

Djorojevic is very confident about the future of Cosmetics Market and of Montenegro. He says, “Montenegro is moving forward toward the European Union in terms of legislation and practices, in both the public and private sectors. The country is very open to European integration and has great investment potential, not only in trade but in agriculture and tourism also.”

Cosmetics Market will continue to serve as a benchmark in Montenegro’s private sector. Djorojevic points out, “We were the pioneers in many crucial aspects in Montenegrin trade business and we still are the first company in our country with a loyalty program. We are also completely transparent, prompt in making decisions and meet the highest international standards. Like many companies in Montenegro, we are ready to do more business and expand.”

Cosmetics market
www.cosmetics-market.com

An awe-inspiring, surreal mix of peoples, cultures and geographies. Made from ingredients both native and contemporary.

A relentless sense of pride is now generated among every layer of Peruvian society. This is the face of a new and progressive Latin America.

Peru is also experiencing a period of unparalleled economic expansion, fueled by significant growth in sectors such as mining and fisheries. A nation in overdrive.

This is Extraordinary Peru.

Peru. Latin America’s fastest growing economy.

Peru experienced an economic boom at the beginning of the decade, and its repercussions are still evident today. This is a nation on track to become Latin America’s next superpower.

Peru is the third largest country in South America, straddling three different geographic zones: the Pacific coast, the Andes mountain range, and the Amazon basin. The capital city is Lima.

Peru’s strong performance in recent years has been aided by market-oriented economic reforms and privatizations, and measures taken since 2001 to promote trade and attract investment.

The trade relationship between the United States and Peru has been aided by a Free Trade Agreement signed in 2009. The United States remains a strong partner and ally of Peru.

International indeed. Peru is opening up to the world, and wants everyone to know about it.

The foundations of the Peruvian economy are quite strong. In 2010, Peru’s GDP increased by 8.93% reflecting optimum economic growth, while most of the countries in the world decreased in economic terms due to the international crisis.

Likewise, Foreign Investment Stock is on the rise, driven by mining, industry and energy. Peru’s internal market developments are impressive.

BUILDING WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE

Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. For many visitors, the first port of entry into the country. Over 10 million passengers went through its doors in 2010.

Peru's national airport and civil aviation authority is CORPAC, who ensures that Peruvian skies are in good hands.

In order to achieve this, the government and CORPAC are investing heavily into new equipment, including new radars, a necessity given the country’s unique geography and climactic conditions.

Next to Lima’s airport is the maritime port of Callao, the largest and most important port in Peru and the entire western coast of South America. It’s location in the Pacific Ocean couldn’t be more strategic.

In April 2011 Europe-based APM Terminals won the public privatization tender for the Northern Port of Callao.

FINANCE

Lima. Peru’s aggressive and dynamic capital. Here, business rules, as evidenced by the city’s constant sense of chaos. it has a unique charm of its own.

Peru’s capital markets are at an emergent stage. The Lima Stock Exchange has been ranked some of the best performing in Latin America.

In 2011, Peru’s stock exchange merged with Colombia’s and Chile’s, the first of its kind between stock exchanges in Latin America, called the Mercado Integrado Latino-Americano, or MILA.

Peru has financial and investment service companies that are innovative and at the same time prudent in managing risks to generate strategic allies. Such companies, such as Grupo Coril, can offer a variety of products to cover financial requests from small and medium enterprise sectors, and can trade in the country not just through financial vehicles, but also in private projects.

GOING BEYOND THE GATE

Peru has always attracted multinational companies with its promise of high growth sectors and a modern and stable legal framework. The Peruvian brewery Backus is an example of a success story. With the merger of Grupo Bavaria and SABMiller, Backus is now part of the second largest brewing group worldwide, with presence in over 60 countries and a portfolio of more than 170 brands.

The Peruvian beer market is booming.

More and more Peruvian companies are starting to incorporate Sustainable Development initiatives. For companies such as Backus and APM Terminals, Good business governance combined with an ethical and transparent behavior and support for the communities, guarantees a successful future.

PERU’S PRIME INVESTMENT PILLARS

Extractive industries such as petroleum and hydrocarbons represent the largest business for American goods and services, and have attracted the majority of U.S. investment into Peru.

Peru has an open door policy towards international oil companies, and all exploration and production activities involving upstream petroleum and natural gas are carried out by companies who sign contracts with the state corporation PeruPetro. There is an unrivaled opportunity for American oil companies to access the exploration potential in Peru.

Peru has a coastal belt of almost 2,000 miles, so it isn’t surprising that commercial deep-sea fishing is a major enterprise. There are over 40 fishing ports on the Peruvian coast, with Paita and Callao being the most important centers.

The Peruvian fishing industry, primarily based on the export of fish meal, used in poultry feed, is among the largest in the world.

Now Peru is trying to make better use of one of its prime resources by ensuring that tons of fish are left each year as spawning stock.

Hydrocarbons and fisheries. Two industries that are the pillar of the Peruvian economy. Two pillars prime for investment.

HIGHER EDUCATION, HIGHER STANDARDS

Increasingly strong support for Peru’s educational system over the past century stands as one of the foremost examples of social democracy in Latin America. Peru has one of the highest literacy rates in the continent, at 87.7 percent.

Peru’s capital Lima is home to the majority of the country’s institutions of higher learning, both public and private. Some well-renowned universities include Cayetano Heredia University, which focuses on science and medicine; the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, its first non-profit private institution of higher learning; and National University of Engineering, whose alumni occupying today positions of leadership in the fields of industry and public service. The government is very much aware of the fact that a high standard of education is integral to the marketability of its human capital.

A PRIVILEGED DESTINATION

Machu Picchu. A place so stunning, you have to see it to believe it. it is South America’s most popular tourist attraction.

But there is more to Peru than Machu Picchu. Luminous archaeological sights, lush Amazon rainforests, floating islands in highland lakes, and vivid indigenous cultures. Peru has it all. Awe-inspiring and dramatic, a journey to Peru is a journey you will never forget.

Heir to ancient cultures and a rich colonial tradition, Peru is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities on Earth. It is truly a privileged destination.

Tourism is the most rapidly growing industry in Peru, growing annually at a rate of 25%, which is faster than any other country in South America. The American market is by far the largest tourist demographic into Peru.

Peru has perfected tourism as an industry, and Americans will find that a holiday here is comfortable as it is memorable.

CONCLUSION

Peru is truly a destination for the world. Today’s Peru is experiencing and enjoying an era of stability, prosperity, and hope, and welcomes everyone with arms wide open. Bienvenido a Peru!

Minister Juan Camilo Restrepo Salazar

Predominantly an agrarian country, Colombia is relatively self-sufficient and a major exporter of vegetal agrarian products. Traditionally the agricultural sector has produced the highest contribution to the Colombian GNP and employs about 34% of the working people.
We spoke with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Juan Camilo Restrepo Salazar about the development of the sector since he stepped into office. He said: "When the new government was established, we saw a serious increase in business. There was a consecutive growth over the last two quarters, 4 percent and 7.8 percent respectively. It is safe to say that the period of crisis is over for the agricultural business and with the global recovery, especially with the the growth of India and China this will also have positive repercussions for Colombia."

In the past, Colombia suffered from declining agricultural export due to several reasons. Today, with the growth of agriculture, this means thousands of families are able to make a living in this sector. Furthermore, there is still an enormous amount of land available in the Orinoca area. These lands will be explored with further improvement of the infrastructure. Restrepo added: "The amount of virgin territory in Colombia is mindboggling. We have a land mass of 40 million hectares that would be excellent for forestation. When we have better rail and road access, the area will be out of isolation and the vast potential will thus be unlocked. Additionally, we will increase the return on investment by making the areas more accessible."

Different climate zones facilitate the cultivation of a large range of products, and the climate often allows several harvest a year. Restrepo emphasized: "Due to its geographical location, Colombia has many micro climates, which leads to a vast variety of agricultural output."
In terms of crops that can be further explored, these include mais, soya and cereals. This is on top of the traditional export products of coffee, bananas, cut flowers, rice and tropical fruits. After Brazil, Colombia is the world’s most important coffee supplier (about one sixth of the world production) and occupies worldwide the first place as an exporter of mild coffee. After the Netherlands. Colombia is the second most important flower exporter worldwide. Colombia exports its products to the United States, Venezuela, Europe and Asia.
Looking towards further unlocking the potential of the agricultural sector, the free trade agreement with Canada is key. Colombia is also looking forward to progress on trade relations with the United States in the form of a free trade agreement that would benefit the sector's exports.

Furthermore, in the field of food processing, Colombia has come a long way. It is now possible to find value added industries in the fields of coffee and fruits. Many opportunities remain, especially as wages are much lower in Colombia when compared to the United States for instance.

Restrepo added: "We are very open to receiving and helping foreign investors to identify opoortunities as we feel that Colombia is a leader in agricultural output. Although not unhappy with the interest and level of of foreign investments we have received to date , we of course believe there is always room for growth."