The IMF permanent representative in Serbia, Bogdan Lisovolik, said that Serbia was now better prepared for the crisis than it used to be as it has reduced the payment balance deficit since 2008 and by issuing EUR bonds, has provided monetary reserves for the budget.

In an interview to "Blic novac" financial supplement, he said that, however, Serbia’s public debt has increased since 2008.

The main problem Serbia is facing is the crisis in the euro zone, especially in those parts that exert a big influence on Serbia, such as Italy, he said.

The other problem refers to the situation in Serbia. The public sector should provide reserve in consumption and higher investments, which ought to assist in the sustainable economic growth, he said.