KOPAONIK/SARAJEVO – The need for reforms leading to regional economic integration within the framework of the EU accession process of the Western Balkan economies was a dominant position of the participants in the round table “Projects Reform Program regional investment: one region, one economy? with the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Goran Svilanovic and representatives of the region’s chambers of commerce and industry. The panel was held on Tuesday on the first day of the 24th Kopaonik Business Forum 2017, in Kopaonik, Serbia, the RCC said.
While moderating the panel, RCC Secretary General Svilanovic emphasized that in the context of the region’s accession to the EU, more attention should be paid to the process itself, because this “journey » is very valuable and leads irreversibly to the economic stabilization of the candidate countries.
“Today we are talking about investments and the need for economic integration, but we must keep in mind that no investor will risk his money if he cannot count on the justice system in an economy , and this shows that the reform process must be rather comprehensive and cannot be achieved overnight. We hope that the theme of regional economic integration will be presented at the Western Balkan Leaders’ Summit in Sarajevo on March 16 and will then be accelerated at the Western Balkans Summit in Trieste, within the framework of the Berlin Process, on July 12, 2017.”
Svilanovic also reminded that these days we are witnessing conflicts and crises in the region, but also a constant interest of the EU in overcoming the current situation, thus reaffirming the priorities of the EU, the Balkans Westerners at the top of this list.
“The EU repeatedly emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and good neighborliness in the region, but also recognizes a renewed approach involving a stronger partnership between Western Balkans and EU officials. It is high time that the region recognizes this momentum to move forward and lead its economies towards a more prosperous future.
Kopaonik Business Forum (KBF) at an annual event organized by Serbian associations of economists and business administrators, under the patronage of the Serbian Prime Minister. This year, KBF participants discuss fiscal consolidation and its sustainability, attracting investments through the power of digitalization, inclusive development, industry, etc. The KFB is held from March 7 to 9, 2017. The Forum traditionally brings together more than thousands of participants, including respectable academics, government officials. representatives, diplomatic officials, business professionals and media.
