In 2021, Switzerland celebrates 30 years of continuous cooperation with Serbia and Switzerland ranks among the four largest bilateral donors, having invested more than 400 million Euro in development assistance. Minister Ružić stated that in Serbia, the Swiss education system, including its strong footprint in dual education, is considered to be one of the best education systems in the world. He stressed that his government attaches great importance to improving the professional prospects of young people in Serbia and that the VET is an excellent instrument in this regard. The Minister also thanked Switzerland for its important support in building up the STP in Belgrade and in helping to establish STPs in Niš and Čačak, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and exports, thus increasing prosperity in Serbia.

Ambassador Schmid noted with satisfaction the successful cooperation with the Ministry on these two flagship projects, the VET and the STPs. He observed that the next four years will be crucial for the successful implementation of VET in Serbia and additional efforts will be needed to include more professional profiles and participating companies into the scheme. Switzerland is ready to continue its support to the Ministry on the implementation of VET as well as on the STPs. Both projects have a great potential to increasing Serbia’s economic prospects and to help attract business from abroad, including from Switzerland.