Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić said that despite the floods, which occurred in Serbia in May and aggravated the economic situation, Serbia needs to continue with the reforms which can bring economic recovery and a better life for the citizens.

The reforms will be continued by adopting a reform legislation package by the end of July, said Ljajić while addressing the participants of the “June Meetings of the Serbian Association of Managers” (SAM).

During the SAM meeting, which was dedicated to the recent floods in the country, Ljajić thanked the members of SAM who collected about 4.5 million euros of aid in materials and money for those affected by the floods, adding that the floods in May affected 40 municipalities.

“Tonight’s event is dedicated to those affected by the floods and they must not be forgotten,” said Ljajić, adding that assistance is still needed and that there is no help without reforms.

Although the disaster disrupted the plans of the Government of Serbia on the road of economic recovery, economic reforms must be continued, said Ljajić, adding that apart from its business environment, Serbia needs to improve the legal certainty and competitiveness of business.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that he is convinced that, by 2018, Serbia will improve the competitiveness level of its economy and become a leader in the region by this criterion.