Economic and cultural life in the region

The territory of the north Bačka district with the municipalities of Subotica, Bačka Topola and Mali Idoš.

The Subotica region covers the total area of 1800 km2 with a multinational population of about 220.000 people. Employed or potential workforce amounts to 66%.

In the territory of the region there are 6.300 registered businesses most of which are private firms, companies or entrepreneurs. The total manpower employed in the businesses above mentioned in the region is about 65.000 out of which 40.000 or 60% is employed in the economy. In the past few years, an intensive process of proprietary transformation started, which led to essential changes in the organization and management sphere in economy. Rapid development of private initiative and inclusion of private investments in economy respectively, was particularly intensified.

The priority trades in the region are: agriculture, electrical engineering and metalwork, civil engineering and handicrafts with regard to the extent of each of them being represented in the economic structure of the region. In addition, rather important are also the following: textile, leather, wood processing, footwear and printing industry.

This region is mainly oriented to the development of agriculture particularly crop-farming and vegetable-growing. Crop production is organized on the total area of 215.000 ha in which black soil type prevails that is considered the highest quality soil. There are also capacities for the intensive livestock raising.

Besides, this region is rich in sandy soil in the Subotica-Horgoš area suitable for fruit (mainly apples) and vine growing and it stretches on the area of about 21.000 ha.

There is also an important capacity of food production in this region. The following could be pointed out as significant food processing facilities: three abattoirs and meat processing and packaging plants, sugar refinery, chocolate, biscuits and candy works, four alcoholic and soft beverage production plants, numerous fruit, vegetables and honey processing facilities, two dairies etc.

The chemical industry is closely related to the development of agriculture and by including it in priorities in the region, the food production cycle is closed. It is the branch of industry that is oriented to import and export respectively to a great extent. Since it is based on the imported raw materials, the current fertilizer and plant protection agent production do not meet the demands in agriculture. Yet, this branch of industry is one of the most important exporters in this region.

Building trade is also developed in this region. It disposes of modern equipment and is capable of performing all civil works, beginning with the high rise building construction to the finishing and furnishing works. Industrial manner of construction has been developed and is operative to a great extent both in Subotica and Bačka Topola.

Small business development has been favored and given much opportunity as small series article production is not profitable for the large-scale or industrial production or they are being imported. Therefore a good solution is to organize a small-scale production within the small business.

Trading and traffic networks are developed in this region, especially railway and road traffic whilst the river traffic is only operative on the river Tisa, mainly used for transporting construction material.

Subotica is the biggest and one of the most developed industrial, cultural and traffic centers in Bačka. It is located only about 10 km from the border crossing to Hungary. Lake Palić is situated only 7 km in the east from Subotica. It has the area of 4,2 km2 and is 3,5 m deep, at 101 m above sea level. There are a few beaches well attended. It is surrounded with a carefully arranged park and one of the most beautiful ZOO areas in Serbia. There are mineral springs as well, and the mud in the lake is used in the rheumatism treatment. It is a favorite resort of the residents of Subotica and is itself a nice settlement with secession style and ornamented buildings and houses.

Efforts have been made for years to orient the transit tourism to the re-creative, sport and hunting one provided that the natural sources abundant in this region be utilized more efficiently in economic terms

On the slopes of Telečka hills, in the river Krivaja valley, a small town of Bačka Topola is situated. Only 13,5 km from the town (via Bajša) there is the "Panonija" agro-industrial and tourist complex and 6 km in Subotica direction there is a well-known "Zobnatica" agricultural complex famous for its horse-farm and horse races founded in 1750. "Zobnatica" is a stud farm of the English half-breed "Bački horse" winners in numerous local and international races. There are also game preserves, wild life reserves, pheasant farms in the vicinity and in the suburb of the town a lake formed by erecting a partition in the river Krivaja.

There is one professional theatre, the "National theatre" and many amateur ones as well as a well-known Children theatre in Subotica, in this region.

The International film festival takes place in Palić every summer.

The "Pro musica" chorus and the Tamburitza band are also well-known and are winners of numerous international prizes and awards.

Regional Chamber of Commerce Subotica 2005