The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has invested USD 663mn in Serbia over the past ten years, USAID Serbia Director Susan Fritz said Monday.
Since 2001, the funds have gone into various projects aimed at attracting investment, opening new jobs and boosting exports, as well as strengthening media independence and the role of NGOs, Fritz said.
The number may seem impressive, but the results achieved together with partners are even more impressive, Fritz said at a press briefing organized on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of USAID in Serbia and the 50th anniversary of providing development aid around the world.
She said that the results of the cooperation were new investments worth USD 2.3 million, exports of Serbian goods to the amount of USD 377 million and USD 171 million given to small borrowers.
Fritz noted that USAID’s biggest program in Serbia, worth USD 200 million, had been the one to revitalize the community through democratic action that had included 111 municipalities and 613 local communities and lasted from 2001 to 2007.
She said that future USAID Serbia projects would be aimed at preparing Serbia for joining the European Union (EU), focusing mainly on economic development and strengthening democracy and civil institutions.
Director of USAID’s Office of Economic Growth Susan Kutor said that USAID was helping create favorable business climate in Serbia by boosting the growth of privately-owned firms and promoting local development.
Director of USAID Democracy and Governance Office Peter Wiebler said that the agency had recently launched a five-year project to help strengthen the capacity of authorities in terms of their responsibility, help achieve a more efficient judiciary and promote transparency and the fight against corruption.
