Wilhelm: Mercedes bus signal to Germans to invest in Serbia

BELGRADE - German Ambassador to Serbia Heinz Wilhelm has said that Mercedes-Benz’ cooperation with Serbian companies is a good signal to other large German companies to invest in Serbia.

If the cooperation is successful, it is certain that others will follow Mercedes’ suit, and I am confident that other German companies will decide to come to Serbia, the German ambassador said in an interview with Belgrade-based daily Kurir.

He added that it is necessary to draw up a clear reform agenda for the recovery of the Serbian economy.

Wilhelm said that Serbia's EU candidacy and the beginning of negotiations on Serbia’s EU membership is a good signal to everyone.

The German diplomat said that surveys of public opinion show a good outcome for the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) at the forthcoming elections is not in question, and the only thing to be seen is the percentage of votes that they will win.

Wilhelm expects that the new government will be formed very quickly, adding that Germany finds it very important for that government to continue with the implementation of the April 19 Brussels agreement.

Wilhelm observed that to step up the dialogue with Pristina should be one of the new government’s priorities, adding that it is very good that the outgoing Serbian government has developed good relations with all neighboring countries - Croatia, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro.

Asked about what Serbia could offer to Germany, the ambassador said Serbian agricultural products.

“Food export is your chance, and also energy," said the German ambassador.

Photo Tanjug/N. Jovanovic (archive)