National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gordana Comic was the promotion host and moderator, and in addition to the authors, Loup Brefort, Head of the World Bank Office in Serbia, Prof. Dejan Eric of the Institute of Economic Sciences in Belgrade and Prof. Svetislav Taborosi of the Belgrade Faculty of Law also spoke about the book.

Greeting the guests, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gordana Comic expressed her pleasure that the book deals with facts and offers answers to the questions how far the reforms have come, what was done well, what was not done, all in comparison with other countries in the region, which gives us an objective view of the situation in Serbia.

Loup Brefort, Head of the World Bank Office in Serbia, said that when the Parliament adopts laws and the Government adopts measures it is important to know what effect they have on the economy, which is what this publication offers. It is an evaluation of the existing conditions in the economic sector in Serbia in the context in which it functions, as well as in comparison to the region which is very vital in crisis conditions when it is important to be competitive for investment and it is not enough to be merely good, but to be better that other states.

Prof. Dejan Eric of the Institute of Economic Sciences in Belgrade commended the authors’ work on the book who in addition to reporting the situation gave a detailed recommendation for further activities in Serbia among which he highlighted the improvement of the investment and business environment, improved quality of public consumption, strengthening regional cooperation and European integrations.
Prof. Svetislav Taborosi of the Belgrade Faculty of Law stressed that the book gives a clear insight into Serbia’s capacities. He believes that regional cooperation is essential as the market needs require common regulations.

Author Slavica Penev expressed her pleasure that the book met with public interest. She stressed that if it did not take care of regulatory reform Serbia will not be competitive, which is also true for the entire Western Balkan region.

Author Andreja Marusic stressed that harmonisation with European Union regulations is a process which introduces expensive solutions which is why Western Balkan states must deal with the effect of said solutions, keeping in mind the end beneficiaries.

The review and comments were followed by a short discussion and commenting by the representatives of the academic and expert public who took part in the promotion.

The promotion was also attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Igor Radojicic.