“Serbia has reason for optimism”

Trade Minister Slobodan Milosavljević said that even though the economic crisis is not over, Serbia has a reason to be optimistic.

Izvor: Veèernje novosti

Thursday, 13.05.2010.

15:52

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Trade Minister Slobodan Milosavljevic said that even though the economic crisis is not over, Serbia has a reason to be optimistic. “The average citizen does not feel it yet, but the trends are positive and, finally, at the end of 2010, we can expect the first improvements in standard and buying power,” Milosavljevic told Belgade daily Vecernje novosti. “Serbia has reason for optimism” He said that a decrease in prices can be expected, but not in seasonal food at markets, adding that it is important that the prices of electricity and communal services are stable after the March increases. As far as the price of fuel is concerned, he said that they are expected to decrease in the summer in order to avoid budget losses, since up to a million vehicles will pass through Serbia in the vacation season, and most avoid filling up in Serbia because the gas prices are the highest in the region. He said that if VAT were increased, all positive trends would be nullified, adding that buying power would be decreased. Milosavljevic added that opinions are split within the government regarding an unfreezing of wages in the public sector and pensions. He believes that the time is not right yet. The minister also said that he does not believe that the crisis in Greece will have any major effects on Serbia. “One potential danger comes from Greek banks in Serbia, though they are stable and have a more quality placement on the market than they do in Greece and Bulgaria. NBS and the government have plans in case of problems with the banks, in order to secure liquidity and to avoid citizens from having problems,” he said.

“Serbia has reason for optimism”

He said that a decrease in prices can be expected, but not in seasonal food at markets, adding that it is important that the prices of electricity and communal services are stable after the March increases.

As far as the price of fuel is concerned, he said that they are expected to decrease in the summer in order to avoid budget losses, since up to a million vehicles will pass through Serbia in the vacation season, and most avoid filling up in Serbia because the gas prices are the highest in the region.

He said that if VAT were increased, all positive trends would be nullified, adding that buying power would be decreased.

Milosavljević added that opinions are split within the government regarding an unfreezing of wages in the public sector and pensions. He believes that the time is not right yet.

The minister also said that he does not believe that the crisis in Greece will have any major effects on Serbia.

“One potential danger comes from Greek banks in Serbia, though they are stable and have a more quality placement on the market than they do in Greece and Bulgaria. NBS and the government have plans in case of problems with the banks, in order to secure liquidity and to avoid citizens from having problems,” he said.

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