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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia sees regional cooperation as priority

Bucharest/Belgrade, 19 December 2006

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said at the CEFTA summit in Bucharest that Serbia looks upon regional cooperation as its priority in economic relations and that it represents a key component of a faster European integration process as well as of integration into global trade with the rest of the world.

Author: Tanjug

The official website of the Serbian government brings address of Vojislav Kostunica in full.

“Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

I take this opportunity to greet you on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and to express my pleasure in participating in the deliberations at today’s meeting which, measured by any standards, represents an important turning point in the relations in the region.

Slightly more than eight months have elapsed since the Bucharest meeting was held where we initiated negotiations for the conclusion of the CEFTA 2006 Agreement, and we have come to the same venue today in order to finally affix our signatures to this instrument. The resolve on the part of all the participants to have the negotiations completed within a fairly short period, as well as the expected maximum level of flexibility, clearly indicate that the entire region is committed to further promoting mutual cooperation in a more comprehensive and intensive way. I wish to point out that the international community’s assistance and particularly that of the representatives of the European Commission and the Stability Pact for South-East Europe, under whose auspices the entire negotiation process evolved, has contributed to its effective completion.

It is also my pleasant obligation to once again say thank you to the Government of Romania for the extremely successful organization of the conference and the cordial hospitality extended to us all.

I wish to stress that Serbia looks upon regional cooperation as its priority in economic relations. At the same time, this regional cooperation is a key component of a faster European integration process as well as of integration into global trade with the rest of the world. The Agreement which we are about to sign will contribute to harmonization, transparency, stability and predictability of the terms of trade in the region, which is also a prerequisite for generating keener interest among investors outside the region. It is important that the Agreement also covers new fields in which more favourable terms for cooperation will be gradually provided, primarily in the sphere of services, intellectual property, competition, investments and public procurement.

It is equally important that our Agreement stipulates the setting up of a Secretariat whereby a convenient institutional framework will be put in place for management and monitoring of the effective implementation of its provisions.

This is the second time since May 2004 that we are able to see to what extent membership of CEFTA lays the groundwork for full EU membership: this is borne out by Bulgaria’s and Romania’s entry into the Club of the Twenty-Five which will take place in 10 days’ time or so. I am convinced that the Agreement will secure favourable conditions for the development and diversification of mutual trade, create new job opportunities, more competition, ensure more significant practical use of expertise, research findings and scientific advances and, consequently, result in growth of prosperity and stability in the region. I likewise hold that it is very important to secure a higher level of freedom of movement for people through visa facilitation both within the region and throughout the EU.

I take this opportunity to inform you that the overall political, economic, legislative and administrative framework for doing business in the Republic of Serbia is being systematically and consistently harmonized with the system and standards of the EU and the WTO. Last year, and in the course of this year, over 250 new laws and regulations have been passed and best efforts are being made to ensure their consistent enforcement. In November this year the new Constitution of Serbia was confirmed at a referendum. The Constitution is based on the principles of civil democracy, human and minority rights and liberties and is in full harmony with European principles and values including, of course, the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of democratic countries.

This year, ladies and gentlemen, Serbia will – for the third consecutive year – register GDP growth of over 6%, inflation will halt at 7%, exports have been stepped up significantly, foreign currency reserves have already exceeded $11 billion and foreign investments will reach $4 billion. Major macro-economic stability is in evidence along with strengthened efforts to pursue the reforms and the processes geared at our country’s integration into international and regional institutions and organisations.

It is beyond doubt that any future Government of the Republic of Serbia will follow through with the comprehensive economic and administrative reforms in order to build a modern and dynamic economy based on democracy and the rule of law while ensuring full respect for human rights.

I should like, on a final note, to once again underscore the resolve of the Republic of Serbia to take an active part in the process of overall economic cooperation in the region. Of course, here we also imply other forms of cooperation that are being pursued to the benefit of each individual state and the region as a whole in the framework of the Stability Pact, especially in the energy sector, in the field of transport and protection of the environment.

Thank you,” Kostunica said in his address.