Mali presents Serbia's national development strategy until 2035

BELGRADE - Presenting a national development strategy until 2035 to businesspeople, Serbia's First Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali said on Thursday it was the most significant and the most extensive programme aimed at accelerating the growth and development of Serbia and its economy, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Mali said new investments in the period would total 48 bln euros - specifically, 17 bln until 2030 and 31 bln more between 2030 and 2035.

He noted the significance of peace and stability, especially in the present global circumstances, and added that new technologies, education and workforce development were the main drivers of the country's future development.

"In business plans, businesses must focus on boosting efficiency and profitability. Automation and digitalisation of business processes, as well as development of business potential, must be your focus," Mali told the businesspeople.

He said some 75 education projects worth a total of around 220 mln euros would be carried out in the coming years, including construction and renovation of school and kindergarten buildings.

"Dual education is especially important because it enables young people to gain practical knowledge and find jobs more easily, and cooperation with foreign universities is also very significant," Mali said at a conference attended by members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Board of Directors and executives of leading companies.

At an accelerated pace, Serbia is also positioning itself as a country developing new technologies, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, robotics and digitalisation, he said.