Quick formation of government is most important for economy

BELGRADE - President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Zeljko Sertic said on Monday the most important thing for the economy was for Serbia to get a pro-reform government quickly after the election.

It is important that the ministries continue working during the campaign, as the economy expects their help, he told Radio and Television of Serbia.

"There should be tangible results by June, so it could be brought to the parliament, and key capital projects should be completed during summer," he stated.

Reforms are the key reason to call a snap election, and they are not only about the laws on labour, bankruptcy and privatization, but also concerning public administration, judiciary and speed with which permits are issued, he noted.

"Reforms will not come solely from laws, they have to be part of us, all employees, especially those in the administration, have to understand that their individual contribution helps the overall reforms," Sertic remarked.

Commenting on Serbia's export to Russia, he said the 15 percent increase compared to 2012 was a good thing, considering the state of Serbia's economy, and he stressed it was important to focus government effort on increasing the number of manufacturers who sell their merchandise as the final product.

"The mere data that last year 748 companies exported more than 1,400 different products to the Russian market indicates that the range of products and number of companies operating there has increased," Sertic pointed out.

Export to Russia exceeded USD 1 billion in 2013, while expotr to Ukraine increased by 30 percent and to Belarus by 17, he said.

Photo Tanjug/F. Kraincanic (Archive)

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