Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) Vidosava Dzagic stated on Tuesday that she supports the concept of gradual market liberalisation, and pointed out that Serbia may have certain expenses shortly upon initiating the process, but that the market liberalisation could bring significant benefits in the long run.

Commenting on the Tuesday signing of the market liberalisation protocol between Serbia and EU as part of Serbia's accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dzagic told reporters in the PKS that the document could bring certain benefits.

The PKS vice president said that thanks to the Interim Trade Agreement with the EU, Serbia has already obtained certain benefits, primarily with regard to duty free import of raw materials, equipment and new technologies.

“Our experience shows that Serbia recorded positive results upon the enforcement of the Free Trade Agreement with Russia, Belarus and countries that signed the Central European Free Trade Agreement, since the country's foreign exchange increased, especially the exports,” Dzagic noted.

She pointed out that one should bear in mind that WTO accession has a different character and implies adoption of clear regulations that need to be built in the country's legislation and which everyone should respect.

“Serbia should make use of the moment, import equipment and raise its competitiveness,” Dzagic underscored.

She pointed out that gradual liberalisation is in every respect better than a sudden one, as Serbia has a fragile economy and is not yet well-acquainted with the rules of the international market competition.