About the AEO Association
Established by and for Authorized Economic Operators in 2021, the Regional AEO Association is your hub for faster, safer trade across South-East Europe. We connect AEO-certified businesses with customs authorities, peers and policy-makers so you can slash red tape, lower costs and move goods with confidence. Join us and turn compliance into a competitive edge in every market you serve.
Your AEO Partner in South-East Europe
Our Mission: We exist to help you—the Authorized Economic Operator—turn the promise of the AEO programme into day-to-day advantages. Whether you work locally or across borders, we make sure you feel the benefits of streamlined procedures, stronger customs partnerships, and smoother trade flows throughout South-East Europe.
What We Do for You
- Connect You with Peers Join a cross-border network where AEOs exchange real-world solutions and fresh ideas.
- Give You a Strong Voice We present your priorities to customs administrations, other government agencies, and regional bodies, shaping policies that work for you.
- Back You with Insight Our research, benchmarks, and position papers arm you with evidence to influence decision-makers and improve operations.
- Train and Advise You From application guidance to advanced compliance workshops, we provide practical support for every stage of your AEO journey.
- Promote Your Edge We champion the AEO brand region-wide, helping customers, partners, and authorities recognise the value you deliver.
Our values—Put to Work for You
- Collaboration – We break down borders so you can build bigger opportunities together.
- Equality – Every member’s perspective counts; your challenges and successes matter equally.
- Transparency – Clear information, open decisions, no surprises—so you always know where you stand.
With the Regional AEO Association, the focus is simple: you, your business, and your competitive edge.
Collaboration
Working together across borders to achieve common goals and foster regional integration
Equality
Ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all members and stakeholders
Transparency
Operating with openness and clarity in all our activities and decision-making processes
How We’re Organized
- Members – Board elected President – Sets the strategic course and represents the Association externally.
- Regional Manager – Runs day-to-day operations and turns strategy into action.
- Board of Directors – Drawn from the membership, the Board provides oversight and guides our technical and administrative work.
In short: you vote for the leadership, the Board safeguards your interests, and the Regional Manager makes sure everything happens on time and on budget.
Who Can Join
Membership is open to:
- Certified AEOs in the CEFTA region – companies already holding AEO status.
- Future AEOs and supporters – businesses committed to, or actively preparing for, AEO certification and eager to promote the programme.
Representation Each member company names:
- One primary representative and
- One alternate
Both must have the authority to vote, ensuring your organisation always has a decisive voice in Association matters.
President & Albania Board Member
Genc Çeli is a customs and trade professional with over three decades of experience in the Albanian Customs Administration. From 1992 to 2016, he advanced from field customs officer to Deputy General Director, focusing on technical areas including tariff classification, valuation, origin rules, procedures and statistical analysis. He negotiated Free Trade Agreements and the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, and helped draft Albania’s Customs Code and Excise Law.
From 2016 to 2019, he directed the Foreign Direct Investment Directorate at the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA), shaping investment policies and attracting FDI. Since 2020, he consults independently on customs and trade projects such as the Single Window, USAID PRINC non-tariff barrier removal, and GIZ’s AEO programme. He also provides training on customs compliance and trade facilitation to private and public sector clients.
His expertise bridges regulatory requirements and operational efficiency, streamlining customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation regionally.
The Board is composed of a team of international and regional experts.
Under the leadership of our President and the Regional Manager, the Board provides administrative support, coordinates activities, and implements the strategic initiatives of the Association. Each Member represents one of the Western Balkan Countries (WB6): Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Olgica Nakova – Member, North Macedonia
Olgica Nakova is an experienced freight forwarding professional with over three decades of expertise in transportation, customs, and logistics. She serves as Operations Specialist at GOPET TRANS. She is an experienced freight forwarding professional with over three decades of expertise in transportation, customs, and logistics. She holds a degree from the University for Tourism and Management in Skopje, specializing in economics, customs, and freight. Her background includes senior roles in freight forwarding, customs administration, and transport coordination, demonstrating strong skills in negotiation, business planning, and operations management. Olgica is multilingual, fluent in English, Serbian, Croatian, and Bulgarian, and brings a comprehensive understanding of customs regulations and supply chain optimization to her work.
Ylberina Gashi Bakalli – Member, Kosovo
Ylberina Gashi Bakalli brings over 15 years of experience across various heavy industries, supported by a strong background in procurement, commercial operations, human resources, retail, and project management. In her current role at TITAN SHARRCEM , she is leading the full procurement function, major contract negotiations, and all import–export and customs procedures, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and strong supplier governance. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and management from UBT University in Prishtina, and she is currently in the final stage of Executive MBA in General Management, a dual-degree program with the University of York and the University of Strasbourg. She is motivated to contribute as a Board Member of the AEO Regional Association by bringing practical industry expertise, strong compliance knowledge, and a dedication to promoting secure, efficient, and sustainable trade practices
Goran Cerovina – Member, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Goran Cerovina is an accomplished FMCG executive with more than 20 years experience. He began his career at Orbitko and, following its acquisition by Nelt, progressed through various commercial leadership roles, eventually serving as Market Executive Director until May 2024. During his tenure, Nelt Bosnia and Herzegovina became the first company in the country to obtain Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status. He currently holds the position of Vice President of the Nelt Group for the Adria markets and is a member of Nelt Group Executive Board. Beyond his corporate duties, Goran is committed to social initiatives and sits on several boards of directors.
Jovan Mutavdžić – Member, Serbia
Jovan Mutavdžić is an established expert in customs brokerage and logistics, with over 25 years of experience spanning Serbia and Italy. He began his career in his family’s business while still a student and went on to found his own logistics company, MUTA Casa di Spedizioni, in Italy in 2004. In 2008, Jovan established 2B LOGISTICS d.o.o. in Serbia, which he continues to lead as Managing Director.
Jovan is an active member of the Italian Serbian Chamber of Commerce and has served on its board of directors since 2009. He is also a member of the supervisory board of Confindustria Serbia and, since 2024, Board Member representing Serbia on the AEO Association of Western Balkans. In 2023, he became a licensed customs broker in Italy. With a passion for advancing customs and foreign trade regulations, Jovan regularly organizes and participates in industry projects and conferences. He divides his time between Serbia and Italy, dedicated to supporting clients, colleagues, and the broader business community.
Aida Omerović – Member, Montenegro
Aida Omerović is a senior manager in company Mesopromet doo and consultant with over 18 years of experience in organizational development, operations, procurement, logistics, and the implementation of international quality and safety standards. She specializes in AEO procedures, customs compliance, and the development of integrated management systems within the food industry.
As expert, she has provided consulting services for the introduction and implementation of AEO status to companies such as Ribnica Comerc. The same in company Petrol Montenegro.
Aida is recognized for her leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence and she actively supports the development of professional standards and promotes women’s leadership.
SUPPORT TO REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
This website is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) commissioned by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to implement the Open Regional Fund for South – East Europe – Foreign Trade. The content of this website represents the opinions of the author(s) and is not necessarily representative of the position of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
