Vucic meets with IMF mission

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met on Monday with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission headed by Annette Kyobe to discuss current economic trends, fiscal policy and Serbia's reform priorities.

"Our common objective remains clear - preservation of stability, fiscal discipline and further economic growth based on responsible policies and reforms," Vucic wrote in a post on Instagram, noting that Serbia was consistently meeting its commitments from its current arrangement with the IMF, demonstrating that it was a dependable and predictable partner.

He added that the discussions had addressed key topics, including fiscal rules and the significance of achieving a target deficit, wage increases in the public sector in keeping with an agreed framework, as well as fiscal risks concerning public enterprises and local self-government units.

He noted that special attention had also been devoted to measures for limiting sales margins, new legislative solutions for market regulations and consumer protection, as well as plans for further market liberalisation and boosting competition.

"The focus was also on the issues of continuing the tax administration reforms, advancement of public investments, modernisation of the energy sector as well as the possible scenarios related to NIS and measures we are taking to preserve the security of supplies and the stability of the energy market," Vucic added.

The two sides also discussed the implementation of projects within the framework of the Leap Into The Future - Serbia 2027 programme, which will help to accelerate economic growth and to create jobs.

"Even though we are facing major challenges caused by trade disagreements and tariff-related conditioning, I am confident that, by continuing the cooperation with the IMF, we will continue to bolster the resilience of our economy, preserve macroeconomic stability and ensure even better conditions for investments, development and higher living standards for Serbian citizens," Vucic noted.