World Bank, AFD launch project to support local authorities

Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and World Bank launched the Local Infrastructure and Institutional Development (LIID) Project in Belgrade on Friday to promote balanced regional development.

A World Bank press release said that the project worth 265.2 million Euro is intended to improve the capacity of 145 Serbian Local Self-Governments (LSGs) and develop and implement green, inclusive and resilient sustainable mobility infrastructures, and urban development. The ceremony was attended by President Aleksandar Vucic.

The project is co-financed by AFD (€176.8 M) and the World Bank (€88.4 M) and is being implemented by the Serbian Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, with funding allocations available for 145 LSGs of Serbia over the next 4 and a half years of the project implementation, it said and added that the innovative municipal financing package, designed in response to a request from the Serbian authorities.

French Ambassador Pierre Cochard told the launch ceremony that the “project underscores our commitment to supporting Serbia’s local development objectives” … and “reflects and contributes, through the mobilization of financial resources and expertise, to the reinforcement of bilateral relations between France and Serbia, supported by our highest authorities.

World Bank Serbia Country Manager Nicola Pontara said that the “project is a crucial step towards promoting practical and green mobility solutions, improving access to markets, employment, and basic services for all citizens of Serbia”.
AFD Regional Director for the Western Balkans Dominique Hautbergue said that the project “will reinforce public transport networks and promote active mobility, making Serbian cities more livable and environmentally friendly”.