Embassy of the United States Serbia

June 9, 2011

Good evening.

Thanks very much to all of you for joining us this evening for the AMCHAM's membership appreciation cocktail.

First, I would like to thank all of you for your participation and dedication to the AMCHAM in Serbia, which is now the largest voluntary non-profit business organization in Serbia.

Your membership and participation contributes greatly to the economic development of Serbia through the promotion of Serbia-US regional trade and investment, business development, public policy advocacy, human resources development, business community outreach, and corporate social responsibility.

2011 marks the tenth anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia.

This is not only an exceptional achievement in and of itself, but also testament to the successful partnership between Serbia and the U.S. and another step forward on the path to increasing bilateral trade between the two countries.

As a leading voice of business in Serbia, AmCham, through its many committees, addresses commercial issues that affect the business environment and the ease to which business is done in Serbia.

In this regard, we are fully engaged in AmCham's efforts to improve Intellectual Property Rights protection, promote Rule of Law, and support Corporate Social responsibility initiatives. AMCHAM also serves as a focal point for the development, and promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in Serbia and I would like to commend all of the member companies for your sustained efforts in this regard.

CSR is truly a 'win-win' proposition. Where socially responsible companies operate, the community benefits. AMCHAM member Ball Packaging's initiative on recycling is a great example. Through their efforts, RECAN Ltd was established which now serves as the primary collection and pay point for the recycling of aluminum cans in greater Belgrade.

U.S. Steel, which received the VIRTUS Award for Corporate Philanthropy Excellence in 2009, has also made a tremendous impact through its CSR initiatives, on improving the quality of life, by expanding access to education and healthcare for vulnerable populations in Smederevo, Šabac and Kučevo. These are just two examples of the many U.S. corporate-led CSR activities that are benefiting communities and local environments in Serbia.

Again, thank you very much for joining us this evening.

Your membership and participation in AMCHAM truly does make a difference.

Thank You.