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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia, the Netherlands discuss intensive economic and bilateral cooperation

Belgrade, 17 October 2005

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Miroljub Labus and the Netherlands’ Minister for Development Cooperation Agnes van Ardenne-van der Hoeven talked today about the possibilities of intensive economic and bilateral cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands.

Agnes van Ardenne-van der Hoeven, left, and Miroljub Labus

Author: Fonet

The declaration to re-establish a ferryboat line across the Bac-Vukovar border was also discussed during the talks, according to which on October 21 representatives of the Serbian, Croatian and Dutch governments are to sign an agreement, with the Dutch government donating funds for this project.

Labus informed the Dutch delegation about the economic opportunities in Serbia, saying that Serbia represents the centre of the Balkans with its significant economic potential and large possibilities for investment. He also recalled the agreements on free trade that Serbia has signed with all countries of the region.

He said that the priorities of the Serbian government are the process of European Integration, continued structural and macro-economic reforms as well as reducing the unemployment figures through improving the economic environment.

Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation Agnes van Ardenne-van der Hoeven welcomed the decision of the European Council to begin talks on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia-Montenegro, adding that the World Bank report on the success achieved in Serbia with respect to economic reforms is of great significance and has been observed with great attention by the international business community.

She said that the economic integration of southeastern European markets is a very important condition for speedy integration of the region in the European Union. As a positive example of this integration she gave the example of the reestablishment of the Bac-Vukovar ferryboat line, which will send a very clear political message that regional cooperation represents a significant part of the general effort to speed up democratic and economic growth in the region.

The talks were also attended by Director of the Serbian government’s Office for Association with the EU, Tanja Misevic, and Director of Serbia Investment and Export Promotion Agency, Jasna Matic.