Serbian Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović and EC Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Christian Danielsson have awarded certificates today in Kraljevo to entrepreneurs and representatives of micro and small enterprises whose projects will be supported through EU PRO programme financed by the EU.
The certificates were awarded to a group of 68 enterprises operating in districts of Zlatibor, Mačva, Moravica, Danube, Morava, Rasina, Raška, Toplica and Šumadija that have been granted a total of EUR 1.4 million.
The remaining 38 enterprises signed contracts in Bujanovac on 22 February 2019 in the presence of Head of EU Delegation to Serbia, Ambassador Sem Fabrizi.
Minister Joksimović has stated that small, medium-sized and micro enterprises are the backbone of sustainable economic development.
“We are determined to use this period leading up to Serbia’s full EU membership, when we have access to funds, various programmes and opportunities, in the best possible way and not only develop our economy but also stride towards overall sustainable development”, said Joksimović.
The Minister of European Integration has noted that Serbia is learning from the best by applying the best practices of those who managed to achieve sustainable development in EU countries.
“Sustainable success does not happen overnight, but it is important to identify the strategic direction of development. It is important to be persistent and not be deterred by the first obstacle we face. We cannot say that we should not be in the EU because they also have problems and wonder whether they want us as a member or not. The EU is a club of states that has shown that common interests and joint policy-making have brought peace, prosperity and better life”, said Joksimović, stressing that it important for Serbia to have the best possible projects that will create new jobs.
Danielsson has said that he is impressed by the presentation.
“This shows that this type of programmes we are implementing together with the Government of Serbia yields concrete results, which means economic development and that you have an opportunity to make your dreams come true”, said Danielsson
According to him, this is the right way for the EU to provide support - by providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises.
With EU support, micro and small enterprises will receive grants for purchasing new equipment, which will allow them to increase their productivity. The grants will, inter alia, be awarded to enterprises operating in the field of information technology, foodstuff production and wood processing.
“Successful implementation of the EU project will help a total of 106 micro and small enterprises improve their production and the quality of products and open new jobs, thus contributing to the improvement of local economy competitiveness in Serbia”, said Danielsson.
The EU supported project will allow for the purchase of equipment for micro and small enterprises worth more than EUR 2 million.
Source: Tanjug
