On September 3, Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlovic discussed with EBRD Regional Director for Central and Southeastern Europe Jean-Marc Peterschmitt how to reassign part of the previously approved loans to repair flood damage as well as infrastructure projects of regional significance, the Serbian government said in a press release.
Peterschmitt confirmed the readiness of the EBRD to reassign a portion of funds previously approved for railway to the rehabilitation of the railroads hit in the May floods. Mihajlovic said that in recent months works on Corridor 10 were accelerated, with a reminder that the representatives of the relevant ministries regularly visit all sites.
She also expressed hope that the acquisition of Corridors of Serbia by Public Enterprise Roads of Serbia will eliminate some of the problems that previously slowed construction and will increase the efficiency of project implementation.
The deputy premier presented representatives of the EBRD the projects that Serbia’s Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic recently presented in Berlin aimed at better infrastructure linking in the region. The officials also discussed the Serbian government’s plans for the development of airports in Serbia, as well as the possibility to consolidate small airports in a company.
Peterschmitt also met with Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Kori Udovicki to discuss improving the investment climate and support by the EBRD in rationalisation and improving the efficiency of local businesses.
When it comes to improving the business climate in Serbia, the EBRD is interested in the possibility of forming a consultative body comprising representatives of interested parties, which would require inter-ministerial coordination.
The task of this body would be to coordinate the process of strengthening the investment climate, as well as reviewing all of its aspects. The consultative body would function according to the priority list, which is why another meeting will be organised to clarify details. Udovicki pointed out that for this purpose it is necessary to identify other hot spots and problems, in addition to implementation of legislative activities in the field of inspection and planning and development.