Vucic, IMF delegation discuss key reforms for Serbia's economic growth

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met on Wednesday with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation headed by Annette Kyobe to discuss macroeconomic trends and a continuation of key reforms for Serbia's stable economic growth.

"A good and constructive meeting with an IMF delegation and Annette Kyobe, whom I congratulated on becoming appointed new Mission Chief in Serbia. We discussed macroeconomic trends and a continuation of reforms that are key for stable growth of our economy. I am grateful to the IMF Mission for its understanding and support for plans to increase salaries and pensions next year," Vucic wrote in a post on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account.

During the meeting, Vucic noted that Serbia remained committed to comprehensive cooperation with the IMF as its priority goal was to maintain the hard-earned reputation of a fiscally responsible country and achieve higher-than-projected growth in spite of challenges at home and in the region.

He informed the IMF Mission of developments in Serbia that had led to a slowdown of economic growth.

"I noted that we remain focused on maintaining stability, especially on GDP growth and on keeping inflation within the target range. I was proud to highlight that our FX reserves are still on a record-high level, as well as that we believe in a new, strong influx of foreign investment while maintaining a firm banking sector," Vucic posted.

He noted that Serbia was working even harder on primary objectives such as fiscal policy discipline, public debt reduction and keeping the budget deficit under control in order to maintain fiscal security and continue to strengthen its economy.

"That is why we continue reforms in public finances while working on expanding an investment portfolio for leading-edge technologies, green energy and digitalisation, where we also expect IMF support," Vucic concluded.