Minister of Finance Dušan Vujović spoke today at the Conference “Macroeconomic and fiscal framework for successful implementation of the initiative – One belt – One Road” held in the capital of the People’s Republic of China.
The aim of this initiative is to promote dialogue on economic policies, accelerate international cooperation in the field of infrastructure, trade and finance, and attract significant resources from China and other sources, including the private sector, with the aim of infrastructure development as the basis for long-term sustainable growth. In his presentation, Minister Vujović said that Serbia actively participates in the “One belt – One Road” initiative by developing infrastructure projects and connecting from south to Europe and within the Western Balkan region, both by road and the rail network. He pointed out that in addition to infrastructure, Serbia has projects in the field of environmental protection (wastewater treatment and hot water) and energy (thermal power plants). The Minister emphasized the importance of rail and road connections from the south to the key destinations in Western Europe, which gives Serbia the opportunity to compete equally with its products in these important markets.
Vujović joined the accents from the speech of Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagard and stressed the importance not only of efficiency in resource use, but also of the effectiveness in achieving the desired development goals. In this context, quality preparation and efficient and quick implementation of projects and reliance on the competitive potential of a large number of companies in China is important.
At a meeting in Beijing, attended by leading ministers and central bank governors from Europe and the world, politicians and representatives of international financial institutions, Minister Vujović invited all interested Chinese investors and companies to participate in Serbian projects and added that Serbia remains committed to this initiative would complete the commenced infrastructure projects and become a competitive Balkan country on the road to Europe.
The conference, opened by the Governor of the National Bank of China, Ji Gang, and Director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagard, defined the key challenges for the successful implementation of the “one-way-one-way” initiative, which, with respect to the principle of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, will contribute to connecting territories, acceleration transport, cost savings and the creation of conditions for new private investments in all countries of Europe and the world.