Mali: IMF projects Serbian economy to grow despite domestic and global challenges

BELGRADE - Serbian First Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali said on Wednesday an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission projected the Serbian economy to grow further in spite of domestic and global challenges, which he noted was a form of success and a recognition to Serbia's economic policy.

At the end of an IMF mission's visit to Serbia, Mali said the IMF projected growth of about 3 pct in 2025 and 4 pct in 2026.

The growth is expected to accelerate in the second half of the year thanks to government investment programmes and a rise of export capacities, especially in the manufacturing industry, a Finance Ministry statement quoted Mali as saying.

The minister added that he was extremely pleased with the discussions with the IMF as the assessment was that Serbia continued to demonstrate resilience in economic development and conducted a responsible economic policy recognised by the top international financial institutions - not just by the IMF.

"The positive IMF report carries special weight if we take into account that Serbia has also been grappling with internal tensions caused by protests by a part of the opposition, which have been blocking the streets of cities across the country for months. In spite of that, we have succeeded in preserving macroeconomic stability, and what is important now is to leave all that behind and continue to work on everything that is ahead of us, above all, on further growth. This is a positive signal before reports by rating agencies on public finances, which we expect to be released soon," Mali said.