According to Serbian Economist, the Serbian Ministry of Internal and Foreign Trade reported that on November 3, Minister Jagoda Lazarevic met with representatives of Carrefour, who confirmed their interest in entering the Serbian market. According to the ministry, the retail chain is considering direct entry without intermediaries, intends to make Serbia a regional hub and attract local suppliers; negotiations will continue and Carrefour’s top management will come to Serbia by the end of this year.
Serbian business publications, referring to the minister’s statement, specify that the working model is being discussed in several formats, including the search for local franchise partners, while the basic scenario is the direct presence of the chain. The ministry positions the possible arrival of a new player as a way to strengthen competition and offer a wider range of products at competitive prices.
Tanjug Agency notes that Carrefour’s interest in Serbia fits into the Balkan expansion of the chain; previously, specialized resources reported about the exclusive rights of the Greek structure to develop the brand in the region, but the current statements of Belgrade emphasize the direct entry into the market.
The company has not officially announced specific launch dates and locations.
Earlier, Serbian Economist reported about the chain’s negotiations about entering Serbia, but without final decisions. The final terms and format of the presence will depend on the results of the management visit, availability of suitable retail space and agreement of terms with the regulator and potential local partners.
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