Fernandez: Serbia poised to become economic engine, a regional leader

BELGRADE - US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose Fernandez said on Friday in Belgrade he had had a very productive visit to Serbia and that the country was poised to become an economic engine and a leader in the region in areas like hi tech and green energy.

"I am excited to be in Serbia at a very interesting time... This was a one-and-a-half-day visit - 36 hours. It has been a very productive visit," Fernandez said at a press conference.

"This is a good moment for US-Serbian relations," Fernandez said, noting that "good things" were happening in Serbia.

"Just as I arrived, I learned about the upgrade in the investment rating, I have also heard about investments from US companies in the energy sector and also in the technology sector. Of course, the Jadar project is one that I knew about, and I have been able to talk to government officials about that," he said.

"We think that Serbia is poised to become an economic engine and a leader in this region in areas like hi tech and green energy and, from our side of things, we want to be a partner in those activities and these efforts. It is in our interest, it is in the interest of Europe, it is in the global interest that Serbia succeed, and it is also important for us to do what is best for Serbia. At the end of the day, everyone wants to see a sovereign and prosperous Serbia, a Serbia that embraces the future and that can provide better opportunities for its citizens," Fernandez said.