State Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Telecommunications Tatjana Matić, said that the investment in the ICT infrastructure is the biggest challenge for the accelerated digital transformation in the Republic of Serbia.

At the ministerial panel on starting the West Balkans Digital Agenda, at the Digital Assembly in Sofia, the State Secretary welcomed this platform Serbia is a part of, pointing out the significance of the regional cooperation in the field of digital trust and safety, reduction of roaming charges, development of digital skills and digital services, and the investment in digital projects.

She said that it was necessary to establish new financing models for the countries in the region, in order to connect and thus jointly finance infrastructural projects among which the most demanding and important one is the development of the broadband network.

“Digitalisation is set as a priority of the programme of Serbian Government led by President Aleksandar Vučić and PM Ana Brnabić”, reminded Ms Matić. Underlining that Serbia has an excellent frame for a successful digital integration.

“Strategy of new network development, and the new Law on Electronic Communication, are fully prepared in line with the EU Strategy of Unique Digital Market. The regulatory frame for cyber safety has been adopted – Law and Strategy, and the new Law on Electronic Identification, Electronic Signature, and Trust Services in Electronic Transfer, which will improve not only the e-business but e-governance as well”, says Ms Matić.

State Secretary has added that for the support to further ICT development, IT industry strategy was adopted, and that numerous projects have been launched for developing digital skills in the entire population.

“Ensuring the use of digital solutions and services, irrespective of the limits and political differences, will bring the a better life quality of people, which is the main purpose of the digital transformation of any society”, concluded Tatjana Matić.