President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today for a farewell visit from the Regional Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the Western Balkans, Zsuzsanna Hargitai, to discuss the results of cooperation with this influential institution, economic consequences of the pandemic and the EBRD portfolio with special emphasis on small and medium enterprises.
President Vučić thanked Hargitai for the exceptional cooperation and particularly emphasised the importance of joint projects between Serbia and the EBRD, which also affected the economic growth of Serbia in the conditions of the KOVID-19 pandemic. The President added that a responsible policy and a stable economic situation are some of the main drivers of new investments in Serbia, which confirms the constant growth of EBRD support to our country.
A specific topic of discussion was the support for the development of entrepreneurship through special guarantee schemes that will primarily aim to raise competitiveness and help micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as young entrepreneurs.
The interlocutors also agreed on the continuation of joint work on the reform and modernisation of public companies, which is of special importance for Serbia, considering that this process is one of the bases for raising the level of competitiveness and profitability.
The interlocutors agreed that, despite the severe consequences for the economy, this year represents an exceptional opportunity to attract new investments to Serbia, since our healthy and stable public finances have contributed to us being more resistant to the impact of the pandemic than other countries in the region.
President Vučić said he hoped for the continuation of good cooperation and that the EBRD’s investments in the private sector, especially in small and medium enterprises, were more than welcome. Plans for cooperation between the EBRD and local governments, which will contribute to the development of cities and towns in Serbia, were also discussed at the meeting.
The President wished Zsuzsanna Hargitai a lot of success in her further professional engagement.
VIDEO MATERIAL CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE FTP SERVER OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE.
Belgrade,
30th April 2021
