The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) said on Thursday that its new country strategy for Serbia will speed up the country’s green energy transition, enhance private sector competitiveness, finance infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity.
“The EBRD Board of Directors has approved a new country strategy for Serbia, guiding its investment and policy initiatives for the next five years. The EBRD’s three key priorities for Serbia will be: accelerating the green energy transition; enhancing private-sector competitiveness, productivity and access to finance; and financing sustainable infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity,” a press release said.
It said that the EBRD will focus on scaling up renewable energy capacity with energy efficiency as a primary objective, boost SMEs’ competitiveness through access to finance and skills with focus on innovation and support Serbia in accelerating investments in environmental infrastructure maximising opportunities to crowd in private investment and develop the circular economy.
“The Bank will also continue encouraging the switch to rail transport, especially by financing the main European and regional corridors. Governance will be a key cross-cutting theme and will include helping to raise standards at state-owned enterprises,” the press release said.
EBRD Regional Director for the Western Balkans Matteo Colangeli is quoted as saying that the new country strategy charts a clear way forward to scale up EBRD’s partnership with Serbia, contributing to its economic success and convergence towards the European Union.
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