Veroljub Arsic thanked Switzerland for the aid it sent Serbia during the natural disaster and flooding, stressing that Serbia and Switzerland enjoy long-standing bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations. He said that Serbia, as a European Union membership candidate, finds Switzerland’s experience invaluable when it comes to the application of European standards and acquis, as is the support Switzerland lends Serbia on its progress toward full-fledged EU membership. Arsic hopes that the reforms implemented by the Government and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia would motivate Swiss companies already present on the Serbian market to take bigger part in it and attract more new companies. Veroljub Arsic also stressed that Serbia fully endorses Switzerland’s position as regards the presence of KFOR on the territory of AP Kosovo-Metohija and security for the members of the Serbian and other minorities living there. He opined that Serbia and Switzerland should improve parliamentary cooperation due to their upcoming coordinated Chairmanship of the OSCE.
Vladimir Marinkovic stressed that the main focus of the Government and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia is to attract foreign companies which directs the legislation toward economic reform. He opined that change in the education system, competitiveness and development of entrepreneurship are important factors of development in Serbia and the only ones that can ensure economic growth.
Christa Markwalder opined that mutual support and solidarity are the basis of the relationship between Serbia and Switzerland. She commended the adoption of the Bill amending and modifying the Labour Law stressing that it plays a key role in the development of a business environment conducive to attracting foreign investors who would create new jobs and reduce the unemployment rate. Markwalder also believes that the amendments and modifications to the Bankruptcy Law, currently discussed by the National Assembly, contribute to the rule of law and regulation of the business environment in the Republic of Serbia.