Mali: Challenges greater than ever, we know how to handle crisis

MT KOPAONIK - Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali said on Wednesday the challenges facing the Serbian and the global economy had never been greater but that the Serbian government had already demonstrated it knew how to handle the crisis and save the economy and jobs, and added that the present economic policy would be continued.

"During the 2020 crisis, we showed, perhaps for the first time, that Serbia knows how to win," Mali said on the closing day of the 30th Kopaonik Business Forum.

In 2020, as well as in 2021 and 2022, Serbia reacted with three fiscal stimulus packages for businesses and citizens that were worth a total 9 bln euros, he said.

"We reacted aggressively, swiftly and efficiently and helped citizens and businesses, and we managed to save jobs while leaving enough space for growth in the years that are ahead of us," Mali said.

In the fight against the crisis, exchange rate stability is very important, as are foreign exchange and gold reserves, Mali said.

In the past three years, Serbia managed to maintain high economic growth rates, building the credibility of a responsible government and a responsible state, Mali said.

"We have maintained economic stability. Our economy continues to grow even amid a crisis and we are not giving up on reforms," Mali noted.