Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović has held a meeting with USAID's new director in Serbia Mike de la Rosa, where they discussed current and future cooperation between Serbia and this agency for international development, specifically in relation to development assistance and grants, through which the United States will continue to encourage the introduction of European norms in Serbia.
The Minister has explained that USAID's assistance has so far been focused on concrete projects such as strengthening local self-government and creating conditions for local economic development, reforming the judiciary and supporting the Republic of Serbia on the path of European integration. She has recalled that the USA has affirmed itself as one of the largest bilateral donors in the reform process with its allocated grants so far.
In this context, Jadranka Joksimović has highlighted support to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular in South and Southwestern Serbia, where a certain number of underdeveloped municipalities are concentrated, which, according to her, should be the basis for establishing sustainable regional economic development and progress.
USAID Director Mike de la Rosa has commended Serbia for the fact that funds allocated so far have been used in a transparent and efficient manner, specifically, that they were used exactly where it was intended and that good results have been achieved. He has confirmed that the United States of America will continue to support reforms in Serbia in order to stimulate the competitiveness of the economy, improve the rule of law and the fight against corruption, and increase the efficiency of state institutions.
Source: Tanjug
