Mali: Serbia Is the Only EU Membership Candidate Country with an Investment Credit Rating

Mali also noted that Serbia is the only country in the Western Balkans region with such a rating, which, as he explained, places Serbia among countries considered safe, stable, and secure for investment – something that has happened for the first time in the nation’s history.

After meeting with representatives of the renowned credit rating agencies Standard & Poor’s, Fitch, and Moody’s in Washington, Mali told reporters that this represents significant recognition for all Serbian citizens, reflecting the economic policy pursued by the current government and the results it has achieved.

However, Mali emphasized that the progress made so far must be reaffirmed every day and every month through continued economic growth.

Foto: Newsmax Balkans/Ognjen Medić

"You must keep finding new sources of growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability and keeping public debt at an appropriate and sustainable level," he said.

The minister stressed that Serbia continues to grow despite various blockades, adding that the country’s growth rate this year is expected to be around 2.3% or 2.4%, and that it currently holds its highest-ever foreign currency reserves and gold reserves.

"We also have the lowest unemployment rate and the highest employment rate in our history. We have almost four billion euros in the treasury, and despite global challenges and domestic difficulties, our public debt share in GDP stands exactly at 43 percent, while the average in the eurozone is 88 to 89 percent," Mali said, reminding that the IMF Managing Director has stated that by 2029 the global average will exceed 100 percent.

"Responsible Economic Policy"

According to Mali, all of this proves that a “small Serbia” is pursuing a responsible economic policy, achieving growth, and maintaining macroeconomic stability under control.

"That is what matters most to the IMF, to the credit rating agencies, and also to our citizens, because they can see that we are handling public finances responsibly, carefully managing every dinar, and continuing to invest heavily. We are building highways, the railway that opened just ten days ago, constructing schools and hospitals, and investing in our energy sector and everything that improves the quality of life of Serbian citizens and contributes to the further growth and development of our economy," said the Serbian Minister of Finance.

Foto: Newsmax Balkans/Ognjen Medić

He emphasized that all of this is being done while carefully managing every dinar, which is why these discussions with the rating agencies are important – they need to confirm Serbia’s progress objectively.

"Every time one of these rating agencies releases a new, positive report on Serbia, it translates into more investments, more factories, better conditions, greater attractiveness for investors, and ultimately higher wages and pensions for our citizens," he said.

Meeting with the World Bank Vice President

Mali also highlighted that he had a productive meeting with World Bank Vice President Antonella Bassani, noting that Serbia currently has around €4.6 billion worth of ratified agreements with the World Bank in the areas of digitalization, energy, agriculture, and further tax administration reform, among others.

"It is extremely important to maintain good relations with the world’s leading financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the IMF. This not only adds credibility to everything we do but also reinforces Serbia’s position as an attractive investment destination and strengthens the desire of international partners to invest with and in Serbia – something that ultimately benefits the citizens of our country the most," Mali concluded.

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