AmCham president: Improve Serbia's economic development

BELGRADE - The newly-appointed President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Serbia Stacey Kennedy said that the business association will continue improving the business climate in Serbia so as to attract investors.

Addressing the AmCham General Assembly in Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade, Kennedy said that the key focus will rest on assistance to Serbia in improving the economy's competitiveness and legislative framework.

We want to intensify the dialogue with government institutions and other business subjects so as to improve the country's economic development, attract new investments and create the conditions for opening new jobs, Kennedy said. Our joint efforts aim to solve regulatory problems and important issues in terms of the economy such as the labour law reform, increase of the economy's solvency and curbing grey economy, said Kennedy who also holds office as director general of Philip Morris Serbia and South and Central Europe.

AmCham supports Serbia's European integration process as the most important matter for Serbia.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade Gordon Duguid stated that Serbia's current economic situation is very sensitive and that it is crucial for the country to carry out the reforms.

According to him, over 120 U.S. companies invested over USD 3.7 billion in Serbia and the investment opened direct jobs for 15,000 Serbian citizens and hired many more indirectly.

Serbian Minister of Culture Ivan Tasovac said at the ceremony that it is very important for funds to be invested in culture continuously because this is the only way changes can become real as only culture can change people for the better.

Previous AmCham president Milos Djurkovic...