Foreign Investors Council in Serbia organized yesterday its second "Reality Check" Conference with the aim to discuss with the highest state officials key issues that are important for improvement of business environment.

In the open dialogue with Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, Minister of Economy and Regional Development Nebojsa Ciric, Minister of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning Oliver Dulic, and EU Ambassador Vincent Degert, representatives of the Foreign Investor Council exchanged views on how to increase predictability and make Serbian market more appealing for investments.

In his introductory speech, FIC President Kjell-Morten Johnsen welcomed openness of Serbian authorities for active communication with the investors. He pointed out that maintaining prudent monetary and fiscal policy together with constant work to ease the doing business are recognized as milestones for creation of sustainable economy. He suggested that building political consensus around importance of good business environment is crucial for long-term prospect of the Serbian market.

Further harmonization of Serbia regulations with EU standards and consistent implementation of laws were particularly highlighted at the conference. In particular, participants discussed measures related to the areas of court and resolution enforcement system, labour and employment, spatial planning and construction, trade and competition protection. Over and above, it was concluded that more transparent and consistent application of tax policies would bring more certainty and would generate positive impact on the economy.

The opinions on these and other significant issues were also exchanged at the working sessions between the representatives of ministries and representatives of FIC companies.