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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Capacity building project for Ministry of Economy and Regional Development

Belgrade, 18 December 2007

Serbian State Secretary for international economic relations at the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development Jasna Matic presented today a twinning project which aims to strengthen the structure, institutional capacities, activities and procedures of this ministry in the area of trade.

Jasna Matic

The project for building capacities of the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development in designing, negotiating and implementing trade policy and negotiating international agreements is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development, as partner and beneficiary, and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Speaking at the press conference, Matic said that the EU is providing expert assistance through the German ministry to Serbia so that the country may accelerate the process of joining the WTO.

She said that expert help is also intended for creating a free trade zone with the EU and harmonisation of laws in the area of foreign trade with EU legislation.

The project is worth €1.8 million, and during its implementation the Ministry of Economic and Regional Development as direct beneficiary, should build capacities for negotiating and implementing trade policy and international trade agreements.

Matic said that German assistance is very important since in 2008 Serbia intends to conclude the process and negotiations for joining the WTO, while in January it is expected that the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU will be signed.

According to Matic, the ministry plans to amend the law on foreign trade, to harmonise it with EU legislation. It also plans to simplify import and export procedures, reduce the number of documents required and make the process of issuing licenses more transparent, in which German help will be invaluable.

Josep Lloveras

Head of the European Commission delegation to Serbia Josep Lloveras said that the SAA envisages creation of a free trade zone between Serbia and the EU within a period of six years, so that Serbia will gradually reduce customs on import of industrial and agricultural products from the EU.

He said that Serbia is now a member of the CEFTA which will make it more attractive for foreign investors, and is moving towards full WTO membership which will integrate it into international trade regulations.

Lloveras said that integration into international trade means Serbia will have to reduce its foreign deficit, avoid protectionist pressures and eliminate obstacles.

He said that all this will result in reform of the Serbian market, cheaper production and a higher employment rate.

The twinning project was launched in November and will last two years. It is being financed by the EU and led by the European Agency for Reconstruction.