Mali: Serbia aims to return to high-growth zone by 2027

KOPAONIK - Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali said on Monday Serbia's goal was to achieve 3.5 pct GDP growth this year and return to a high-growth zone of 6 to 7 pct by 2027.

Speaking at the Kopaonik Business Forum, Mali noted that Serbia had had 6 pct GDP growth in 2019, just before the outbreak of the coronavirus.

"Those are the growth rate figures we want to return to - 6 and 7 pct," Mali said, adding that the Leap Into The Future - Serbia 2027 project would contribute to this.

"Last year, for the first time, we crossed the 69 bln euro mark when it comes to the value of our GDP. This year we are planning 3.5 pct growth and 4 pct growth for next year. Despite all challenges, last year - when a country like Germany was registering negative growth rates - we had 2.5 pct economic growth in Serbia. It preserved its macroeconomic stability, and yes, with the rates I mentioned, it is realistic that we will exceed the GDP value of 90 bln euros in 2027," Mali said.

"If the geopolitical situation is right for us, we will have a GDP of 100 bln euros in 2027, which is completely feasible," Mali said.