“Mini Schengen will soon become a reality in the Western Balkans”

He also said that the key benefit of the recently signed agreement in Washington is faster integration into world trade and the economic development of the entire region.

“We have done the best we can, especially on issues that are important to the standard of living of citizens living in the Western Balkan region. Exports from the region have increased significantly in recent years, but the economies of the region remains poorly integrated into world trade. This area will provide an opportunity to change that, “Mali said in an interview with Dnevni Avaz from Sarajevo.

He added that Americans bring with them standards that are sometimes as important as the investment itself.

“For example, International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) projects must undergo a rigorous financial, environmental and social impact analysis to ensure that they meet internationally recognized standards,” said the Serbian minister.

He noted that the economic normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina will also contribute to the countries of the region, which will thus have a stable environment, which is important for any economy.

“For” Mini Schengen “, perhaps the most important point of this agreement, it is important that Pristina agreed to be part of the initiative. And that is the concrete benefit of this agreement,” Mali added.

When asked what would be the key advantages of creating a union like the “mini Schengen”, he replied:

“Can you imagine what a market of almost 20 million inhabitants would mean for the world and world trade, where trade conditions are equal, bureaucratic obstacles have been eliminated for an easier border crossing, where citizens cross the border. border with your identity card and where is rotation easier? “. workforce? “.

Such a market, as he stated, is also desirable for future investors who are looking at their investments strategically.

“Today, they want to cover entire regions and regions where they come from, and not come and be stationed in a Balkan city. The American International Development Finance Corporation, which opened an office in Belgrade, is proof of this,” says Sinisa Mali .

He also notes that he is personally convinced that the “little Schengen” will help support the young.

“The labor market will be broader and more complete, joint work permits will be easier to issue. The recognition of titles and titles, without additional procedures, will provide a greater possibility of labor movement, which will improve the availability of labor.” explained the Serbian minister.

Avaz’s statement that, despite all the benefits, the idea of ​​a “mini Schengen” was met with great resistance by certain politicians in the region and that they mentioned as the most common argument that Serbia, as the most large, would establish economic and political dominance in the region to the detriment of others, Mali says that, although Serbia is the largest exporter, all countries will benefit from the “mini Schengen”.

“Some analyzes say that further economic integration of the region would contribute to an increase in regional GDP to an annual level of 1 percent, and maybe even more … I think it is clear to everyone that only greater economic and trade integration of the Western Balkans, stronger and more concrete can allow and facilitate the transition to a model of accelerated and sustainable growth of our economies, “said Mali.

When asked by the Sarajevo daily if he believes that the “mini Schengen”, now that it has a better chance of coming to life, will soon become a reality in the Western Balkans, Mali replied that he absolutely believes in that.

“Yes, I absolutely believe that the ‘mini Schengen’ will become a reality in the Western Balkans one way or another, and in the near future,” says Mali.

“Our economies are largely complementary and it has its roots in the period of socialism and the former SFRY. Why shouldn’t we use it? Furthermore, our country is committed to improving regional cooperation, the reconciliation process. We and Europe hope help reduce tensions and strengthen regional stability, integration and the end result are practical benefits for our citizens and our economies, “said Mali.

Introducing European standards through various regional initiatives is not just an objective, but, as you pointed out, a way for our citizens to feel concrete benefits.

Asked about the measures taken by Serbia to repair the damage caused by the corona virus pandemic and what its expectations are, Mali recalled that Serbia, with a package of measures around 5.8 billion euros, is among the most generous governments of Europe in relation to the size of its economy.

“That economic package represents 12.5 percent of our GDP. We prevented layoffs and with guarantee schemes designed in cooperation with commercial banks and the state Development Fund, we helped companies get through this difficult period. We gave five salaries. for more than a million employees in Serbia, as well as a one-time aid of 100 euros for all citizens. Employers say that we have literally saved them, “the Serbian minister stressed.

Mali added that this is why the Serbian government hopes that by the end of the year, Serbia will be among the three best performing countries in Europe in terms of economic growth.

“We believe that we can be at zero, which is a great success under the conditions of the world’s biggest economic crisis,” concluded the Serbian Finance Minister.