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Serbia seeks to join EU, increase living standards, modernise economy, Prime Minister says
Belgrade,
30 November 2004
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said today that the government is advancing in efforts to achieve its main goals, which include economic modernisation, living standards increases and European Union integration, adding that Serbia needs foreign investment in order to attain its goals.
Addressing a two-day business roundtable organised by London's Economist magazine, Kostunica said that Serbia must bolster its production, trade and service capacities, and constantly improve the business environment.
Noting that the parliament has passed over 50 government-proposed bills since March, the Prime Minister said that Serbia offers encouraging taxes, including a 10% corporate profit tax, the lowest in Europe.
He also recalled that the creation of a free-trade zone in South Eastern Europe will result in a 55 million-consumer market.
Kostunica went on to say that Serbia-Montenegro and Russia have signed a free trade agreement, adding that Serbia is a "sensible choice" for multinational companies and small and medium-sized enterprises to set up regional centres, primarily because the country is located between two important corridors in Europe.
According to him, the regional free trade zone will also help improve economies in the region and prepare it for integration into the EU.
Political relations in the region are improving every day, the Prime Minister noted, adding that the time of cooperation and friendship has replaced the period of conflicts in the Balkans.
Kostunica also recalled that Serbia adopted a 2005 budget law in November in a move that reflects the country's political stability and investment safety.
Noting that the parliament has passed over 50 government-proposed bills since March, the Prime Minister said that Serbia offers encouraging taxes, including a 10% corporate profit tax, the lowest in Europe.
He also recalled that the creation of a free-trade zone in South Eastern Europe will result in a 55 million-consumer market.
Kostunica went on to say that Serbia-Montenegro and Russia have signed a free trade agreement, adding that Serbia is a "sensible choice" for multinational companies and small and medium-sized enterprises to set up regional centres, primarily because the country is located between two important corridors in Europe.
According to him, the regional free trade zone will also help improve economies in the region and prepare it for integration into the EU.
Political relations in the region are improving every day, the Prime Minister noted, adding that the time of cooperation and friendship has replaced the period of conflicts in the Balkans.
Kostunica also recalled that Serbia adopted a 2005 budget law in November in a move that reflects the country's political stability and investment safety.
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