"German vice-chancellor to focus on economy"

"German vice-chancellor to focus on economy"

Gabriel will head a German business delegation during a two-day visit that will start on November 16. He will meet with Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić , Minister of Economy Željko Sertić and a number of businessmen, Tanjug was told earlier at the vice-chancellor’s office.

Wilhelm said that Gabriel, who also served as federal minister for economic affairs and energy, was Germany’s most senior official to come to Serbia after the visit Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had met with Serbian officials in Belgrade in August 2011.

It shows the intensity and quality of bilateral relations between Serbia and Germany, said Wilhelm, adding that the fact that Gabriel was coming with a delegation of 60-70 businessmen was proof that German companies were interested in investing in Serbia.

Wilhelm attached much importance to an agreement on the establishment of a German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which he believes is another signal showing that economic relations are being raised to a new level.

Asked whether Gabriel would come to Belgrade with a political message, Wilhelm said that politics was an inevitable part of life and that the vice-chancellor would certainly touch on some political issues, but was not does bringing any new political message and his visit would focus on the economic affairs.

Asked about time when the negotiating chapters in accession negotiations between Serbia and the EU could be opened, Wilhelm said that it was for now difficult to predict when it would happen.

"The German government holds a specific position. We seek that Chapter 35, which regards Kosovo, be opened first, while Chapter 32 (financial control) may be opened together with Chapter 35," says the ambassador.

Wilhelm said it was Germany’s official position and the issue was being discussed in Brussels, but it was still too early to say what was going to be decided in December.

"Key partner"

Serbia is Germany's most important partner in the Balkans, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, who is scheduled to visit Belgrade on Sunday, said in an interview for Friday's editions of Belgrade daily Blic.

"Germany and Serbia have well-developed partner, political and economic relations. The two countries' trade, which today stands around EUR 3 billion, is a good basis, but the potential of our cooperation has not been exploited to the fullest," Gabriel said.

The German official said that he would like to show, through his visit, that Serbia and the Western Balkans play an important role for Germany, as well as to point to Germany's commitment to good and close cooperation.

The German federal government supports the EU accession perspective of Serbia and the western Balkan countries, Gabriel said.

The German official stated that Serbia is facing major challenges in terms of its economic policy, adding that German companies can offer support in addressing these challenges to the benefit of both parties.

"I see great potential primarily in the construction of infrastructure, and also in the energy sector. Big chances are arising in the automotive and food industry for the two countries. Prime Minister Vučić and I have agreed that the companies that want to do business in Serbia should be supported," Gabriel said.