Belgrade, December 16, 2024 – As a developer and implementing agency for program of standardized mentoring service and long term partner of Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA), Development Agency of Serbia organized annual meeting of certified mentors, the "All Mentor Meeting," was held. At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Shinichiro Kato, Project Coordinator at JICA, and Mrs. Ana Žegarac, Project Manager (RAS), addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development and the exchange of mentor experiences.

Mrs. Dobrila Sudimac Mratinković, a mentor from the Center for Development of the Jablanica and Pčinja District in Leskovac, shared her experiences and impressions from the JICA training in Japan, particularly highlighting the Japanese approach to business development and the application of the KAIZEN methodology. Mrs. Sudimac Mratinković emphasized the potential of these methods to improve the competitiveness of local businesses, stressing the need for their adaptation to the characteristics of our region. Additionally, she proposed specific steps for their implementation in various sectors of the economy.

During the meeting, new materials developed in 2024 were also presented, designed to support the implementation of standardized mentoring services. These materials include guidelines for mentoring and tools for business analysis. The discussion focused on addressing challenges in program implementation, such as adapting to local conditions, maintaining service quality, and defining key priorities for the upcoming period.

The work plan for 2025 aims to provide further support to small and medium enterprises through personalized mentoring services. The focus will be on strengthening mentor capacities through additional training, connecting businesses with international partners, and monitoring the effects of existing activities. 2025 Plan also includes all activities of RAS in WB countries – partners within project "Strengthening and Expanding The Mentoring Services for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Western Balkans".  

Mr. Shinichiro Kato and Mrs. Ana Žegarac appreciated all participants for their engagement and contributions, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in further strengthening mentoring services in the region. They invited  all mentors to continue their efforts to improve the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises, underlining the importance of mutual cooperation and the sharing of experiences to achieve sustainable entrepreneurial development in the Western Balkans.