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Belgrade, 3/2/2010
US Ambassador Warlick Emphasizes the Importance of Serbia’s Integration with International Institutions
The new US Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Mary Burce Warlick, at a lunch with representatives of the largest foreign and local companies in Serbia, members of AmCham, presented her views on the future of US-Serbia relations and her vision for continued bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between Serbia and the United States.
Ambassador Warlick said: "I believe we - and by ‘we' I mean the U.S. government, the Serbian government and, certainly, you in the business community -- are working toward a common goal: that is, achieving a prosperous, European and globally integrated future for Serbia. In just the past few months, Serbia has made significant strides towards greater integration with the rest of Europe. However, a truly globally integrated future for Serbia encompasses even more than integration into European institutions. We support Serbia's full integration into international institutions such as the World Trade Organization, as well as greater economic and commercial cooperation between Serbia and its neighbors," she added.
In her speech at a traditional business luncheon organized by the American Chamber of Commerce, the ambassador also identified some of the remaining economic challenges for Serbia. "Serbia's ability to attract investment in this very difficult global economy is certain to have an impact on the country's competitiveness, both regionally and in the broader international market. One of Serbia's biggest challenges will be to transition from privatization-driven investment to greenfield investment. Another key challenge will be to focus not only on the approval of necessary new laws and regulations, but also on the speedy implementation and consistent enforcement of those laws," Ambassador Warlick concluded.
Skip Bornhuetter, president of the American Chamber of Commerce, responded: "AmCham views the arrival of the new US Ambassador to Serbia as a great opportunity to continue to work jointly and strengthen even further economic and commercial ties between Serbia and United States." He emphasized that it is certain that when the level of foreign direct investments is lower, it is of vital importance for the Government of Serbia to intensify its dialogue with the private sector with a view to defining key measure of economic policy. "AmCham relies upon and greatly appreciates the partnership with US Embassy and Ambassadsor Warlick in these processes," Bornhuetter added.
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