With 13 billion euros, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is the largest single investor in the Western Balkan countries. The bank will continue to invest at least one billion euros a year in the region, but that requires peace and reform, EBRD director Suma Chakrabarti tells RTS.
EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti praises Serbia’s economic performance, and sees the biggest opportunities for investment in innovative technologies.
Keep up the good work. Serbia has achieved macroeconomic stability, managed the budget, and now needs more economic growth. All of these are the reasons why the EBRD invested 500 million euros in Serbia last year, mostly in the region.
If reforms are continued, there will be more – 600 million euros this year, which calls for continued reforms.
Serbia is currently a top investment destination and should remain so.
It’s time to invest even more in Serbia because the country’s economy is open. Much work has been done to pass the necessary modern laws.
It is also an opportunity to make greenfield investments in innovative technology, that is, the green economy.
These include the so-called green, smart cities. Investments are needed in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Pancevo. This will contribute to major changes in living conditions as well as citizens’ lifestyles in order to make the country a better place to live.
The last 25 years have made visible changes both politically and economically. The younger generations came. When I say that, I mean politicians. They are more open and dedicated to peace and development. And that’s a good change.
But, it needs to be seen how these changes would affect faster EU accession. We see the process around Northern Macedonia and Albania. Tensions should be eliminated and dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina should be accelerated. Together, this will contribute to a positive development and give the region a chance in the long run, RTS writes.
