(Nebojša Ćirić)
Nebojša Ćirić, the State Secretary within the Ministry of Economy and Regional
Development, in charge of privatization and economy, became known to the public
when he started promoting the Law on free stocks, for which about 5m citizens
applied. The journalists have cited him thousands of times.
He says that, in spite of this global crisis, the Ministry of Economy and
Regional Development does not give up its estimates that these free stocks will
bring about 1,000 EUR to each citizen.
Speaking of the privatization of the remaining companies, he points out
that, according to the Law, privatization of the companies must be finished by
the end of the year, that is, prior to December 31st, when the public
invitations for all remaining public companies will be announced.
Ćirić points out that he is completely aware of the obligations and
responsibilities that his job brings.
- Mistakes are not made only by those who don’t work. There are companies
whose privatization was not very successful, but the major number of companies
went through the transition period successfully and they now register excellent
results. Every move, that is, every decision, has its pros and cons, but what
is always the most important is that there are more positive than negative elements
– Ćirić explained.
Nebojša Ćirić has recently come in the focus of local public, after he was
appointed as the Head of the new team of the Government of Serbia for
negotiations with Gazprom. Concerning the fact that that agreement with Russian
Federation was presented as the greatest development project for the state in
next 50 years, Ćirić was "pushed" directly into future "economy
textbooks".
He participated in another project of strategic importance to our country –
the deal with company "Fiat".
- That is the new beginning, not only for "Zastava" and
Kragujevac, but also for entire Serbia.
Judging by promises and rhetoric, we can say that Ćirić is the genuine
politician, but he points out that he is not a member of any party, that is, he
entered the Ministry as a non-party person.
He was born in Bor. His father was born in south Serbia, while his mother is
from Golubac on the Danube. Ćirić’s parents met each other during their studies
in Belgrade and they started their careers in Mining Smelter Basin "Bor".
Ćirić points out that he, as the only son, enjoyed his mom’s great privileges, while
his dad’s slogan was - "Order, work and discipline".
- And now I am dealing with privatization of Mining Smelter Basin (RTB)
"Bor", which is exceptionally important for the survival of people in
that region. I got emotionally connected to that process. I hope that this
third attempt will be successful. We announced Public invitation for selection
of strategic partner. The interest has been expressed by several foreign giants.
My fellow citizens believe that I will do my best to make it possible for 5,000
employees and their families to get the chance to stay in that town.
When he was 12 he moved to Belgrade and graduated from Mathematical School Mihajlo
Petrović – Alas. Then he moved to London and graduated from London School of
Economics and Political Science.
- I returned to Belgrade in 1996. I have never had a wish to stay in London.
He got his first job at the University of Braća Karić where he worked as an
assistant for macroeconomics. He later worked in marketing company "Ogilvy
& Mather". His career continued in the Economy Institute and then in "Deloitte
& Touche".
- I was the Manager of the Consulting Sector and I dealt with
privatizations. I worked for big local and foreign clients. Because of that
job, I lived in Banjaluka, Macedonia, Czech Republic...
He got the position of the Assistant to the Minister of Privatization within
the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development and he became the State
Secretary within that Ministry in 2008.
He says he has never been afraid of challenges of the new job.
- My job is very dynamic, even more intensive than the work in some private company.
I work much more than before, I attend large number of meetings, the meetings
with investors, trade unions, as well as the meetings that should attract
potential investors in the economy of our country. Of course, the media relations
are an inevitable part of my job.
One of the privileges of the government job is business automobile, but Nebojša
Ćirić points out that he prefers motorcycles.
Instead of sitting in the back seat and letting the steering wheel to the
driver, he prefers riding his Piaggio Beverly Cruiser 500.
He also enjoys one type of sport that is not very popular in our country. It
is the English game of snooker, which is very similar to billiard.
- There used to be a club in the Youth Center where I played snooker with my
friends, but, unfortunately, that club has been closed. However, we have found
a new location now, so we are still enjoying this interesting game. I also play
basketball and football when I find time. Also, as a Red Star fan, I try not to
miss any important match.
When asked what the best Serbian export brand was, he answered Red Star. He
admits that his favorite club is currently in crisis, but he also believes that
this situation, just like the crisis, is only temporary.
Like most men, he admits that he is only weak when facing his wife who he
met at the Economy Institute.
- The life is beautiful when business and family aspects are equally
present, when they intertwine and supplement each other. My wife is a great
listener. Also, we are very close professionally… – says Ćirić.
| 
| 
