Vucic: German companies have become engine of Serbian economy

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Niels Annen in Belgrade on Friday.

In a post on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account, Vucic wrote the discussion had been excellent and substantial, addressing further advancement of economic relations, as well as development projects and opportunities to expand cooperation in strategic areas for Serbia.

"I thanked German partners for their continued support, serious approach and trust in our country because, today, German companies employ 80,000 workers, which has made them the engine of our economy," Vucic posted.

He particularly noted that Annen's ministry had a 25-year-long presence in Serbia and that, through support from the German government, it had taken part in implementation of numerous large-scale projects that had significantly transformed the face of Serbia.

"That support has been enormously important for development of dual education, strengthening of energy diversification and advancement of the economy and the overall economic environment in Serbia," he posted.

Vucic added that he and Annen had also exchanged views on current global challenges, being aware that, today, political, energy and economic crises quickly spilled over from one part of the world to another, affecting nearly all economies.

"We agreed that making responsible and well-thought-out decisions in a timely manner is primary for alleviating risks, maintaining market stability and ensuring a continuity of economic development in times of great uncertainty," he noted.

Vucic added that he had informed Annen of new opportunities for cooperation, in the confidence that additional joint activities could take place in the areas of critical raw materials and mining, defence, the defence and automotive industries, as well as in regional cooperation and integration of the Western Balkans into the EU single market.