Welcome to Serbia, the country that Sinisa Mali, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, calls “Europe’s third fastest-growing economy” and “a bridge between East and West”! At an investment conference in Osaka, Mali urged Japanese investors to flock to Serbia as if it were the new center of the world. The conference gathered 52 companies and about 90 Japanese entrepreneurs, and Mali promised they would feel at home in Serbia.
But wait, there’s more! Mali announced on TV Pink that the average salary in Serbia is set to hit 1,400 euros soon, and pensions will rise too! Yes, you read that right. Serbia plans to invest a whopping 18 billion euros in infrastructure, high-speed railways, healthcare, and energy. All to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Sounds like a fairy tale? Maybe, but Mali is serious. He claims Serbia is not just a geographic bridge between East and West but an economic bridge waiting for Japanese investors to come and invest.
At the Osaka conference, part of the World Expo Osaka, Serbia showcased its potential and invited everyone to the specialized Expo in Belgrade.
But let’s get real. Is Serbia really ready to become the center of the world? Will Japanese investors actually come in droves? And what does this mean for the average citizen?
Serbia boasts its geographic position and economic growth, but is that enough to attract serious investments? Mali says Serbia is Europe’s third fastest-growing economy, but many wonder if this growth will translate into better salaries and pensions or just remain on paper.
Either way, the invitation to Japanese investors is loud and clear. Serbia wants to be the bridge between East and West, and Mali is ready to prove it. We’ll see if the Japanese really come and if Serbia delivers on its big promises.
Got thoughts on this? Or maybe a good joke about bridges and investments? Drop it in the comments and keep the conversation rolling!
