State Secretary for Regional Development of the Serbian Ministry of Economy and Regional Development Verica Kalanovic said today that the European Agency for Reconstruction and the Fund for Serbia's Development have secured RSD 1.3 billion for the programme of support to development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at a session of the board of the Association for small enterprises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Kalanovic said that beneficiaries will obtain these funds under very favourable conditions, with an annual interest rate of 1%, a seven-year repayment period and one-year grace period.
She underlined that the state is firmly resolved to support the development of SMEs because that is the road leading to Serbia's more balanced regional development.
According to her, there are 35 underdeveloped municipalities in Serbia, and the funds set aside will accelerate their economic growth.