The economy is expecting a new program to combat the gray economy
After a decade of strategic work and concrete results, the economy expects to soon begin preparation for the new Program to combat the gray economy until 2030, which will focus on innovations and digital solutions. Technology has proven to be the strongest ally in strengthening transparency and fair competition, it was stated at the event organized by NALED and Authentix.
The first step towards the new Program for Suppressing the Gray Economy is precisely the identification of innovations that can be part of a systemic solution, said Dušan Vasiljević, Director for Competitiveness and Investments at NALED.
- We are working on the analysis of the best practices in this area, which is an important element for the development of the new Program for combating the gray economy until 2030. We place special emphasis on the work of inspections. The average age of inspectors in Serbia is 51 years, and there are less than 3,000 active inspectors - which seriously limits the capacities of the system. That is why we are advocating for new employment and modernization of work through the full application of the eInspektor platform, as well as the use of innovative technologies - says Vasiljević and emphasizes that digitization is key
That innovative solutions can change the rules of the game is also shown by the example of the international company Authentix, which through the fuel marking system in Serbia helped to pour over 1.4 billion euros of additional income into the budget. Among other things, this company cooperates with the American FED (Federal Reserve System) on the control of all banknotes in their system.
- For more than a decade, we have been helping countries and companies to preserve the value of their resources and brands. Through smart labeling and tracking solutions, we protect supply chains. In Serbia and the Balkan region, we operate through the local distributor Nanoinspekt, which provides everything - from the import of markers and analyzers, through technical support and distribution, to cooperation with state institutions and raising public awareness. Our mission is clear: to create a world of safe and reliable commerce, through science, innovation and trust - explained Kevin McKenna, president and CEO of Authentix.
Professor of the Faculty of Security in Belgrade, Petar Stanojević, states that more than 80% of consumers around the world have at least once bought a counterfeit product, often unknowingly.
- The digital transformation of inspections, the introduction of artificial intelligence in risk analysis and cooperation with consumers as 'citizen inspectors' are already being implemented in developed countries - Stanojević points out.
The meeting presented the best international practices in the field of confiscation and storage of goods, modernization of legal solutions and strengthening of customs capacities, including laboratory analysis and public-private partnerships for specific types of confiscated goods.
