Mecaplast Group opened a factory for the production of plastic car parts in Zrenjanin thanks to the support of the Serbian government, it was stated at the opening ceremony.

Chairman of the Mecaplast Managing Board Thierry Manni underlined that the opening of the factory in Zrenjanin is a token of trust, which emphasizes the significant role that the government has played in the realization of this project.

At the same time, he pointed to the key role that Serbia has in this part of Europe.

Our goal is clear- we want to stay in this country, and develop further. That is the reason why we will invest - to become even more competitive so as to better address the needs of our clients, he said, noting that the Group has already moved as many as 57 percent of its production facilities outside Monaco, where the company was founded.

Investments in Serbia mean job creation, and Mecaplast intends to hire around 120-130 workers until 2013, and achieve a turnover of EUR 24 million, Manni stressed.

He voiced hope that the factory will cooperate with seven car manufacturers that are operating in the region, that is within the range of 500 km.

When it comes to Fiat, the company which prompted Mecaplast to invest in Serbia, Manni said that in four years, the car maker will become Mecaplast's fourth most valuable client.

Monaco's Foreign Minister Jose Badia said that the opening of this factory will further strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.

Badia is convinced that the factory will contribute to regional economic dynamics, while at the same time representing the industrial side of Monaco that is not so well-known.

French Ambassador to Serbia Francois-Xavier Denio said that the opening of the Mecaplast factory in Zrenjanin once again confirmed that Serbia is attractive for foreign investments.

This is yet another proof of that fact, and I think that it shows that the Serbian government is successful in attracting investments, he said.

The Frenchmen are aware of the quality of the Serbian work force, which is important for investments, Denio said.