The Serbian Ministry of Finance stated that the World Bank granted an interest-free credit to Serbia for the purpose of improving the private and financial sectors. The value of the loan is $55 million, with a 20-year repayment period and 10-year grace period.
The decision of the World Bank Board of Directors to grant such a favourable loan was significantly influenced by the adoptions of 2006 budget and a package of health laws, reads the statement of the ministry.
The World Bank stated that the grant of the loan represents the World Bank's support to the efforts of the Serbian government in implementation of significant structural reforms, which will facilitate restructuring and privatisation of Serbian companies, improve the investment climate and develop the real estate market, the statement of the ministry points out.