The following is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala:

USAID Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick visited Serbia on September 21-22, 2020 as a part of a U.S. Government delegation led by U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Chief Executive Officer Adam Boehler. 

While in Serbia, Deputy Administrator Glick participated in meetings with the Government of Serbia, including with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, the announcement of the opening of a DFC regional investment office in Belgrade, and the signing of a joint statement between the Government of Serbia and the DFC.

Throughout the visit, Deputy Administrator Glick expressed USAID’s optimism for Serbia’s economic prospects in light of the economic normalization agreement between Serbia and Kosovo.  She also reaffirmed USAID’s partnership with the Serbian people to advance the country’s reform efforts as it moves forward on its path to integration into the European Union.

While in Serbia, Deputy Administrator Glick also participated in a roundtable with Serbian business leaders to learn about opportunities for U.S. Government investment in Serbia’s information and communications technology, energy, and distribution and logistics sectors.  During a meeting with members of the USAID-supported European Democracy Youth Network, she also discussed the political and economic challenges young Serbians are facing today.  In addition, Deputy Administrator Glick visited a local shop to see how USAID’s Food Design Hub helps local producers to get their unique, specialty food products onto domestic and international markets.

USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment Michelle Bekkering accompanied Deputy Administrator Glick on the visit.