Oman. A breathtaking and captivating Sultanate in the heart of Arabia, and the oldest
independent state in the Arab world. Oman is one of the more traditional countries in the Gulf region and was, until recently, one of the least known.

Today’s Oman is experiencing a glorious renaissance. Led by a leader with a vision, and populated by a people striking a proper balance between the cherished values of Islam and an open, global lifestyle. Ahlan wa sahlan!

Occupying the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is an active member of
the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC. The capital city is Muscat.

Oman’s road to prosperity and progress has been paved by one man: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. In 1970, Sultan Qaboos faced the formidable task of turning a impoverished country with little physical or administrative infrastructure into the modern state that it is today.

Like many other countries in the region, Oman’s economy is heavily reliant on oil
wealth. But unlike these countries, Oman is sparing no initiative in creating a self sustainable, diversified economy that is not dependent on hydrocarbons, this is the core of the Sultans vision 20 20 plan

The Omani government realizes that an empowered and competent local work force is the foundation of a strong nation. This long term commitment to domestic human capital, called Omanization, expects provisions for hundreds of thousands of jobs for Omanis in various fields.

In a region notorious for religious extremism and unrest, Oman stands out as an oasis of peace.

Oman’s relationship with the United States dates back over 200 years, even today, both nations are particularly supportive of each other’s foreign policies and economic platforms

The Zubair Corporation has been doing business with and representing American
companies since its inception. In the early seventies, just as the Omani economy was
opening up, Zubair Corporation started importing Chrysler vehicles into the country, the
first American automotive brand to be brought in. When the United States was hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, damaged oil rigs were shipped to Oman and repaired by Zubair joint venture company Larsen & Turbo

Oman is one of the few countries in the region with a Free Trade Agreement with the
United States. This FTA, which entered into force on January 2009, promotes economic
reform and openness and solidifies Oman’s trade and investment liberalization.

Up to one billion dollars has been committed by the Omani government to the development of Oman's four ports, namely Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm. The Port of Sohar in particular, is a marvel of industrial infrastructure located within the Sohar Freezone. ,and its strategic located before the Strait of Hormuz

One of the largest companies established here is also the nation’s prime example of industrial excellence to the world: Sohar Aluminum.

Oman has had a renowned seafaring tradition for centuries, with its inhabitants drawing livelihoods from the waters of the Arabian Sea. Oman is one of the region’s leading exporters of fish, giving the fisheries sector great potential for growth if its resources are properly exploited.

Oman’s banks are an important factor in maintaining financial equilibrium and
economic stability. Led by the Central Bank of Oman, the sector is highly regulated and stable.

The Omani government has recently allowed Islamic Banking into the country. Islamic
finance is a one trillion dollar industry, and what this landmark decision means is that
specialized Islamic and commercial banks in Oman could now offer Sharia-compliant
products. The ability to advance and develop is also a characteristic of the healthcare industry in Oman.

Muscat Pharmacy is a successful example of a strong government-private sector
partnership, While being the largest and one of the oldest pharmacies in the Sultanate, it is also committed to making healthcare accessible to the people of Oman.

Oman’s multi-faceted development has increased the demand for real estate and high
yields in residential and commercial properties. The government is also working with both local and international contractors to deliver various infrastructure and building projects.

While the rest of the Arabian Gulf is reveling in a nouveau architecture straight out of a
science fiction movie, Oman is quietly maintaining a subdued and balanced style with its
new buildings. The fact that Muscat does not have a single skyscraper is unique among GCC capitals.

Oman’s aviation landscape is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation. The
Omani government believes that building a robust air transport industry is critical to
underpinning the Sultanate’s long-term development goals.

Oman’s new airports, set for completion in 2014, are expected to be truly iconic facilities
that will be a big source of pride to the nation.

Together with the national carrier Oman Air, the government is confident that Oman
will become a leading air transport hub soon.

Once in a while, a country just captivates you. A destination where the dramatic
landscape is matched only by the smiles of its people. If you are looking for that old-world Arabian charm, look no further. Beauty has an address. And that is Oman.

Oman Air is the national airline of the Sultanate. In April 2011, it was upgraded to a
four star airline and is now the luxury airline of choice for many travelers in the region.
Oman Air is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism in bringing more tourists into
this marvelous destination.

Until recently, Oman was the best-kept secret in the Middle East. Oman can now
proudly be called a world class tourist destination. It will linger in your memory long
after you leave.

Renaissance is defined as a period of revival and renewal. Thanks to a leader with a
loving heart, and the positive changes that the Sultanate has undergone, Oman is a
model of progress to Arabia and the rest of the world.

The Republic of Serbia, a true cultural melting pot, has always served as a bridge between East and West. Founded as a kingdom in 1217, Serbia has evolved to become a multiethnic, multicultural, independent democratic nation committed to strengthening its ties to the European and global community.
Serbia’s strategic location is one reason for its historic importance as a trade hub and its current attractiveness to foreign investors.

At the crossroads of pan-European transport corridors, Serbia borders some of the fastest-growing economies in Europe: Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbia offers duty-free access to a market of one billion consumers through its various free-trade agreements, including CEFTA.

Serbia is using its international ties from the past to reconnect to old friends. For decades Yugoslavia played a major role in the worldwide Non-aligned Movement, together with Egypt, India and several other influential countries in Africa, Asia and South America.

Finally, with a population of 9.3 million people, the Serbian domestic market is among the largest in the region and new retail outlets are opening almost daily to keep up with rising demand.

Along with its investment appeal, Serbia has many attractions for business and leisure travelers.
All year long, visitors can take part in local festivals of dance, theater, and music as well as enjoy Serbia’s unspoiled natural beauty and dynamic cities.

Tourists interested in good food make the right choice to visit Serbia. The country has a wide diversity of food and drink specialties. The best known Serbian liquor is undoubtedly the plumb brandy, or slivovica as it is called in the local language. But Serbia is also getting better and better in its wine production skills. Food products range from different kinds of cheese, meat and fish preparations, to the mouthwatering ajvar, a creamy red pepper and garlic relish. On the sweet side, nature is giving Serbia amazingly tasty raspberries, used in more than a few tempting desserts.

Lonely Planet guides name Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, one of the world’s best cities for nightlife. Wherever you go in Serbia, you will meet welcoming people, unique cultural venues, an array of local culinary treats, and exciting business opportunities.

As any visitor to Serbia will discover, new construction projects are underway all over the country. Serbia’s construction industry, in fact, accounts for almost 4% of the country’s GDP and employs around 11% of the Serbian workforce.

The investment opportunities in the Serbian construction and infrastructure sector are huge, and the impact of the financial crisis is smoothed by government stimuli.

With its temperate climate, over six million hectares of agricultural land with the lowest pesticide usage rates in Europe, and a long agricultural tradition, Serbia has developed a thriving, mainly privately operated agriculture sector. Agriculture accounts for around 12 % of the GDP and employs nearly one quarter of the total population.

Serbia’s main agricultural products include beef cattle and other livestock, fruit, wine and vegetables. But corn undoubtedly tops the list.

Animal breeding and the meat production and processing industry represent particularly strong investment options in Serbia today. To make the most of its potential, Serbia’s agriculture sector needs investment in modernization and innovation, including in new processing equipment and technologies.
One of the businesses in Serbia interested in such strategic partnerships is the meat processing company Agroziv.

The Irish owned company BPI is already active in Serbia for quite a few years. Amongst others, it is investing heavily in the agricultural sector.

As many foreign investors have already discovered, Serbia is ideally suited to serve as a manufacturing hub for duty-free exports to a market of one billion people throughout the region and beyond.

Serbia adopted a new long-term economic growth plan in 2010 that calls for quadrupling exports over ten years. Serbia offers relatively inexpensive and skilled labor, a generous package of incentives for foreign investments, and a business friendly tax regime with Europe’s second lowest corporate tax.

The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts that Serbia will make the most significant business-environment improvement in Eastern Europe between 2009 and 2013.

The owner of the high-tech company Vlatacom gives a few good reasons as to why investors should make a choice for Serbia.

Serbia, a key trade hub for the 21st century, is ready to welcome foreign investors to help it enhance its role as a thriving contributor to the European and global economy.

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Zira Hotel Belgrade

Zira Hotel Belgrade is a 4 star business hotel located within walking distance of downtown Belgrade. Since it was opened in 2008 Zira Hotel has differed from other hotels in the aspect of modern architecture, contemporary interior design and amenities that we provide to our guests.

Zira Hotel is primarily a business hotel offering 126 Superior and Deluxe rooms, 3 high-tech function rooms, a vast terrace, an international restaurant, secure indoor parking, free international telephone calls to landlines and free internet access in the entire hotel. All guests of Zira Hotel can enjoy complimentary use our fully equipped Fitness Center – high tech gym equipment and Finnish Sauna.

Our main goal is to please our guests and this is why a high level of service and hospitality is a must. The one thing that all guests seem to appraise is Zira Hotel Restaurant menu i.e. the delicious plates served for all meals. Furthermore, Zira Hotel multi-lingual professional staff assists our guests with all additional facilities: transport to and from airport, touristic and taxi services, room and guest laundry service etc.
Apart from Zira Hotel facilities our guests can take pleasure in shopping at Zira Shopping mall where we have provided them with special discounts.

35 Ruzveltova Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Tel: + 381 (0) 11 331 48 00
Fax: + 381 (0) 11 331 48 01
reservations@zirahotels.com
www.zirahotels.com

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Hotel Excelsior

Welcoming Hotel in Historic Building Captures Authentic Belgrade Spirit

The Hotel Excelsior sets itself apart from international hotel chains by providing personalized service and unique facilities in an historic listed building. Christoph Brueckner, General Manager, worked for the Sheraton and Hyatt hotel groups for 20 years and enjoys the special character of the Hotel Excelsior. He says, “There are many hotels in Belgrade, but the Hotel Excelsior has soul. We capture the authentic Belgrade spirit, which is what keeps our guests coming back! We have a perfect location, too, in the center of town across from the Parliament building in between two beautiful parks.”

In renovating the historic property, the hotel’s owners have kept many of its original features while incorporating the latest modern amenities. Brueckner adds that with a few additional investments, the Hotel Excelsior could be ranked a four-star property, but that he prefers to concentrate on being a top-quality three-star hotel. “We are really competing with four-star hotels. We are a three-star hotel with five-star service,” he points out.

“It’s the little things that count”

Every guest at the Hotel Excelsior receives a welcome card in his or her own language. “This is a small touch, but it’s the little things that count, like the fresh flowers we bring in every day, our offer to carry our guests’ luggage, and our restaurant’s authentic Serbian dishes using local ingredients,” Brueckner believes.

The Hotel Excelsior mainly serves business travelers and works with a number of international organizations in Belgrade. Brueckner urges American travelers and investors to take a closer look at Serbia and to stay at the Hotel Excelsior. He says, “Serbia is changing for the better, and here at the Hotel Excelsior, our business is to exceed expectations. This is a very transparently run hotel and we are ready to welcome you with open arms.”

Kneza Miloša 5, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Tel: +381 11 32 31 381
Fax: +381 11 32 31 951
recepcija@hotelexcelsior.rs
www.hotelexcelsior.co.rs

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Life Design Hotel

Four-Star Belgrade Hotel Winning the Loyalty of International Visitors

The new four-star Life Design Hotel offers world-class facilities and exceptional service in the heart of Belgrade. The hotel is very popular among business and leisure visitors thanks to its convenient location, state-of-the-art amenities, and warm welcome provided by a multilingual staff.

Milos Plantaric, General Manager and Owner, says that service makes the difference at the Life Design Hotel. He explains, “We are trying to create a friendly atmosphere by treating every guest as a person, not a number. The Life Design Hotel also has bigger and more comfortable rooms than other local hotels, as well as the best mattresses in town. Other features that set this hotel apart from its competitors are our luxurious spa, our parking facilities and of course our great location.”

The Life Design Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from Knez Mihailova street, the National Theater, the National Museum, the Terazije Drinking Fountain, Parliament and the Old Palace. It is also near Belgrade’s central train station and port, and only a short taxi ride from Nikola Tesla airport. The hotel operates its own airport shuttle for guests’ convenience.

The elegantly decorated hotel has 52 rooms, including non-smoking, allergy-free and VIP rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning and LAN Internet access(mini bar, personal safe deposit box). Special amenities include the spa and wellness center, a sauna and steam room, massage service, a Jacuzzi and much more.

Hotel is process of rebuilding new conference room.

Guests can dine in the highly rated Privilege restaurant, which specializes in French and Italian dishes as well as authentic local fare and is famous for its sumptuous Privilege Chocolate Cake. The hotel’s Aperitif bar serves drinks, teas and coffee.

High percentage of repeat visitors

One measure of the Life Design Hotel’s success is that a high percentage of its guests are repeat visitors. Plantaric says, “Our guests come back because they are pleased and happy with what we offer them here. Many of our guests come for business during the week and have their families join them on the weekend.”

As an independent hotel property that is not part of an international chain, the Life Design Hotel has not put a huge emphasis on promotion and has been succeeding through word-of-mouth advertising. “This approach takes longer, but it works,” Plantaric says.

Most of the Life Design Hotel’s guests are business travelers, mainly from the EU, but Plantaric would like to attract more American visitors. The Life Design Hotel’s very high ratings on travel sites like Trip Advisor will make more people aware of what it has to offer.

Plantaric says that in addition to its new conference facilities, the hotel will add 50 more guest rooms over the next two to three years. He adds, “Belgrade’s tourism sector is booming, with more and more hotels opening as well as new museums and sightseeing tours, more low-cost flights and more high-profile events, including festivals. This is all very good for Serbia!”

The Life Design Hotel will continue to grow as Serbia’s economic development continues. Plantaric says, “Belgrade is a very good location for investment. Serbians are highly educated and speak English, yet labor costs are low. Serbia has a history of innovation; the great scientist Nikola Tesla was Serbian. Investors need to come here, listen to local people and understand local culture. They will certainly find success. In addition, no one should be afraid to come to Serbia. Anyone can go anywhere in Belgrade and be safe. We welcome you to come to discover Serbia and to be our guests at the Life Design Hotel.”

18th, Balkanska street, 11000 Belgrade
Tel: +381 (0) 11 3534 300
Fax: +381 (0) 11 3626 086
reservations@lifedesignhotel.rs
www.lifedesignhotel.rs

At the heart of the Mediterranean lies a country that will take your breath away.

A small nation with big potential. This is Montenegro.

Montenegro’s economic growth and development has been so robust it is hard to believe that this nation has only been independent since 2006.

Montenegro is rising up from the shadow of the former Yugoslavia and deserves to be admired for its strong macro-economic indicators and the promise of an investment-friendly republic.

Where wild beauty meets European progress.

This is Montenegro.

Montenegro is a Mediterranean country located in Southeast Europe. Its strategic location offers excellent sea connections with all Mediterranean countries, as well as the rest of Europe and North Africa.

An independent and sovereign country since proclaiming its independence from Serbia in 2006, Montenegro is experiencing an ongoing period of development and growth, having fully transformed its economy from a socialist model to a free market system.

While the recent global financial crisis had a significant negative impact on the economy, Montenegro today has an investment climate that is open to business.

The United States has been a strong supporter and partner to Montenegro, having assisted the country’s transition into a prosperous, market-based democracy.

2011 was a very successful year for Montenegro, following the European Council’s decision on the opening of access negotiations between Montenegro and the European Union in June 2012..

A look at Montenegro’s growth sectors

Montenegro’s two airports, located in the capital Podgorica and in the coastal town of Tivat, are of European Union standard. The modernization of the country’s airports have improved the quality of services for passengers and aircraft, as well as the airports’ levels of security and safety.

Montenegro’s location in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea make it an exceptional site where sea and inland traffic come together. The country aims to develop the Port of Bar as one of the leading ports in the Balkan region, but investment is crucial. With the Montenegrin market being too small to fully utilize its capacity and make it a profitable port, the Port of Bar has to acquire new markets to which it would cater.

The wine industry in Montenegro is also booming and is making a mark in many American households

Montenegro is Europe in a small, accessible package. Far apart from the beaten tourist track, it is a paradise that opens itself up to visitors. Historic walled towns like Budva and Kotor are perfect for exploring and experiencing the feel of times gone by. Montenegro’s interior is a setting of dramatic green mountains straight out of a fairy tale, dotted with lakes and scored by deep canyons.

And who can forget Montenegro’s lovely coastline! Montenegro is the hub of the Adriatic holiday coast with fine beaches and a highly developed tourism infrastructure. Visitors have a wide variety of accommodation options, including international 5-star hotels such as the Hotel Splendid, with its top-notch services and facilities.

Montenegro is a year-round destination, but it still has a way to go to attract more American tourists.

Montenegro is safe and stable. The dynamic economic development of today’s Montenegro is supported by a growing trend of foreign direct investment and sound economic policies, all in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.

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Cosmectics Market

MPM d.o.o. launched in 1990 and the retail stores chain - Cosmetics Market, launched in 1998, has been growing and gaining market share every year. Cosmetics Market is committed to maintaining the highest world class standards in its business operations as well as in its products and services.

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.”

Ulica Bracana Bracanovica br 38
81 000 Podgorica
+382 20 663 180 +382 20 663 181
office@mpm.co.me
www.cosmetics-market.com

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Plavnica Eco Resort

Eco-Resort Offers Idyllic Lakeside Setting

Plavnica Eco Resort, under dynamic private ownership for the past four years, offers an idyllic location, luxurious facilities and services, and significant investment appeal.

Lazar Pejovic, owner and General Manager, explains that the resort overlooks Skadar Lake (also known as Lake Scutari), one of the world’s most picturesque inland bodies of water. He says, “Skadar Lake, on Montenegro’s Albanian border, covers over 160 square miles and is surrounded by rugged mountains. Our guests can count on real tranquility here, yet we are only around five miles from the airport and only around 15 miles from the sea via the main road from nearby Podgorica.” In fact, visitors will soon be able to sail directly from the Adriatic into Skadar Lake via the Boyana river.

Plavnica Eco Resort is a perfect choice for nature-lovers seeking comfortable accommodations in an unspoiled setting. The resort has been designed to blend into its environment and is surrounded by landscaped garden areas with lake and mountain vistas. Plavnica Eco Resort offers four luxurious suites, a conference hall, two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and a wide range of activities, including lake cruises on the resort’s 40-meter sight-seeing boat as well as boat rentals. The resort also has its own marina for 100 vessels. Plavnica Eco Resort often hosts business travelers and international delegations as well as leisure travelers from all over the world.

Unique eco-system attracts nature-lovers

Skadar Lake has its own unique eco-system, a major draw for nature-lovers. The lake contains around 50 small islands, many of them with churches and other constructions on them, and its varied coastline is made up of many small bays and promontories. Skadar Lake is relatively shallow in most places and reaches a warm 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees F) in summer, but it also has many underwater caves, the deepest of which is over 200 feet below the lake’s surface.

Skadar Lake is known for its wealth of flora and fauna and is one of Europe’s biggest bird reserves. It is home to some 48 species of fish and around 270 species of birds, including a small colony of panca, the endangered “curly pelican” whose image serves as the logo of Skadar Lake National Park.

In addition to its natural attractions, Skadar Lake is surrounded by many remnants of Montenegro’s long history, including several monasteries and architectural landmarks left by Illyrian, Roman, Greek and Slavic civilizations. Local villages preserve Montenegro’s rich cultural traditions.

Lazar Pejovic says that Plavnica Eco Resort is the first of several tourism developments – including a second hotel – that the owners plan to build overlooking Skadar Lake with the help of investors. He says, “We opened Plavnica Eco Resort four years ago and almost every month investors come here to talk about future projects. We have been slowed down by the economic crisis but we are anticipating many more investments when the global economy picks up again. Our project for a second hotel, for example, is already planned; we just need the support of investors to get it off the ground. We own the only large plot of building land on the lakeshore, so no one can build a large hotel on Skadar Lake except us.”

Lazar Pejovic welcomes the chance to greet international travelers and potential investors at Plavnica Eco Resort. He says, “Montenegro is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and any investment here is certain to bring a big profit. We have mountains, the sea and this beautiful lake, as well as friendly people, a tolerant and safe culture, and good regulations to protect investors. Montenegro is a very positive example of the potential of the Balkans.”

81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
+382 (0)20 443 700
+382 (0)20 443 701
+382 (0)20 443 702
info@plavnica.info
www.plavnica.info

Aired February 2012
Island of opportunities.

Cyprus, international crossroads for 8,000 years and now the Mediterranean region’s best choice for business and tourism. A strategic location bridging three continents. Fabulous beaches. Historic landmarks. A well educated, friendly, English-speaking population. An open economy buttressed by a strong regulatory environment. Investment incentives and low taxes. Great infrastructure. And to top it off, Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
No wonder Cyprus has become a top trade, tourism, and financial-services hub.

Services now make up almost 80 percent of Cyprus’s GDP, and the island’s financial-services sector has been the target of investment from all over the world. In fact, FDI in Cyprus in 2009 totaled 6 billion U.S. dollars, and over half of it was in financial services.
Cyprus offers unique advantages through its winning combination of EU membership and a 10 percent corporate tax rate.
Cyprus has been a successful member of the Euro zone since January 2008. This means the island enjoys price stability, lower interest rates, lower currency-conversion costs and exchange-rate risks, and increased competition through greater price transparency.

In spite of the global crisis and the government’s struggles with public debt, Cyprus’s banking sector continues to perform well thanks to conservative banking practices and a prudent Central Bank.
The vision that Cyprus survived the crisis pretty well is confirmed by other important players in the banking sector.
Cyprus’s solid financial-services sector is a major draw for international investors and will continue to underpin the national economy this year and beyond.

Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean region’s most appealing tourism destinations thanks to its stunning beaches, year-round sunshine, wealth of cultural and natural attractions and welcoming population.
Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, Cyprus is guaranteed to charm its visitors.
For cultural tourism, Cyprus has few competitors. Set at the hub of ancient international trade routes, the island has preserved many remnants of its rich history.

Getting to Cyprus from the United States is easy through key airline hubs like London or Amsterdam with national carrier Cyprus Airways.
Cyprus: everything a traveler is looking for in a Mediterranean island getaway – and much more.
Limassol, the “Pearl of the Eastern Mediterranean”.
Set between mountains and the sea on Cyprus’s southern coast, Limassol is not only a thriving tourism destination but also a dynamic business center.
Limassol is Cyprus’s second-biggest city and busiest port. It is known for its international atmosphere -- around 30 percent of its residents are foreign.
To promote the unlimited investment possibilities, business people in the private sector launched the Limassol Branding project. It gets the full support of the municipal bodies and the tourism organizations of Limassol.

Limassol, gateway to Cyprus, is building the foundations for an even more prosperous future.
Cyprus: a dynamic business and tourism hub at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Cyprus is safe, beautiful, English-speaking and business-friendly. It’s time for American travelers and investors to find out more about the Cyprus difference.

Aired February 2012
Colombia. One of the most fascinating and misunderstood countries on the planet.

A place full of passion and drama, it is a nation whose stigma of drugs and violence overshadows a more positive and vibrant reality.

Colombia is ready to make its mark on the world as a progressive nation with the potential to be great. Its economy is ranked as one of the most outstanding in terms of performance in Latin America. And that’s not all. Colombia is now also one of the safest and most welcoming countries to visit.

A Nation on the Rise. This is Colombia.

The Republic of Colombia is the fifth largest economy in Latin America, and this nation of 45 million people is also the third largest population in the region. Transition from a highly regulated economy has been underway for more than 15 years. Aided by major security improvements, steady economic growth and moderate inflation, Colombia has become a free market economy with major commercial and investment ties to the United States.

Colombia’s relatively stable political environment compared to neighboring Andean countries makes it an attractive destination for U.S. companies. This is no longer the Colombia of infamy.

Looking at Colombia now, it is hard to believe that just as little as 20 years ago the nation was on the verge of collapse. While certain problems still exist today, Colombia is definitely turning a sharp corner and is now a safer and more stable place, thanks in part to the strength and commitment of its military.

Indumil, or Industria Militar, was established in 1954, first as an autonomous entity and then as an industrial and commercial state enterprise focused on the manufacturing of military weapons and warfare. Indumil has a constitutional monopoly of the production, import and export of firearms, ammunition and explosives. But Indumil is not only about weapons and ammunition. It is also an important developer of Colombia’s economy in sectors such as mining, energy and construction.

Colombia continued to increase the size and depth of the financial sector and the development of the banking and capital markets while the United States and the rest of the world suffered an economic recession in 2008. Colombia is home to a lot of brokerage firms that can assist new investors into the capital market.
Colombia has the most productive workforce in South America. Without a doubt, the country’s best asset is its human capital. Colombians are recognized by multinationals as some of the most qualified and the most flexible labor market in the region.

Colombia is well-connected to the rest of the Americas through an extensive air network. While the national airline is Avianca, Panama’s Copa Airlines is gaining market share and is now a big player in the aviation industry. Copa Airlines Colombia is now positioned as the only airline with a renovated cutting-edge fleet and a market leader in punctuality and service the company now flies to eight destinations within the country, and through its Hub of the Americas in neighboring Panama, getting to Colombia from the United States has never been easier or more comfortable.

Colombia is a country of incredible diversity and charm. Its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery and adventure, and beautiful and warm people and cultures, have fascinated the world for centuries. With breathtaking beauty everywhere you look and the warmth of South America’s happiest people putting you at ease, you may find it difficult to leave.

The increase in the number of businesses to the country as well as Colombia’s highly progressive economy has resulted in a boom in the number of business travelers. Colombia’s engaging capital Bogota is now home to a lot of hotels that cater to every budget, from deluxe international chains such as the JW Marriott, apartment-style suites such as the Embassy Suites by Hilton, or local chains with a Colombian flavor such as the Dann Hotels.

BSR Idiomas is bridging the language gap between US and Colombian business leaders. The dynamic company specializes in high-quality language training for executive clients through one-on-one lessons or small group classes, and it is currently developing online language instruction.

Robert Brandwayn, owner and head language coach, explains, “Our target is the Colombian market, particularly top Colombian executives who do not speak English. Around 5% of our business is teaching Spanish to foreigners and the rest is teaching English to Colombians. Our main project right now in term of expansion is to create online courses through which English-speakers can learn Spanish. We have excellent Spanish teachers and the Colombian accent is a neutral one, but since many people do not want to come to Colombia for classes, we want to provide online learning opportunities.”

Corporate and individual clients

BSR’s corporate clients include Fondo Nacional de Garantías, the Bogota Beer Company, Colombia’s leading banks and many multinationals. Individual clients include many Americans who have come to Colombia to work in the oil sector. “We specialize in teaching business English through a conversational method. Our teachers are very highly educated and trained,” Robert Brandwayn says.

BSR also provides interpreters, translation services, assistance with written and spoken conference calls, and other types of English-to-Spanish or Spanish-to-English support. BSR is also developing classes in Portuguese.

Robert Brandwayn urges American investors and companies to look into opportunities in Colombia. As for BSR, he says, “Over the next couple of years, we would like to expand our English classes by around 30% and to rapidly grow our Spanish-language instruction. We aim to have a sort of call center that caters to anyone anywhere in the world who is looking to learn Spanish online. Our goal is to provide the same services online that we offer here in Colombia.”

www.bsr-idiomas.com

info@bsr-idiomas.com