Čadež: For a Strong Regional Economy It is Necessary to Harmonize Education Systems

Cooperation between companies and schools through modern dual education is necessary for the stronger cooperation of the six economies of the Western Balkans and the elimination of barriers in the region, which will be enabled by the project "Regional Challenge Fund" said Marko Čadež, the President of the Chamber Investment Forum (CIF WB6) and the President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).

At the award ceremony organized for consortiums from Serbia selected for financing by the Regional Challenge Fund, Čadež called on all governments in the region to harmonize their educational systems and thus respond to the needs of the region's economy for young educated staff.
"For all six economies of the Western Balkans it is important that significant funds have been allocated so that companies and schools can work on joint programs, and children from Serbia and the region can learn by using most modern machines and software. This will provide them with adequate training during school period and prepare them for what awaits them in the work environment "said Čadež.
The President of the CCIS pointed out that the creation of young educated people in the region connects the economies and removes trade barriers, which is especially important in the context of the "Open Balkans" initiative.
"The economy wants and supports this, and the economy needs this, and thus the citizens," said Čadež. He said that the Regional Challenge Fund responded to the needs of both schools and the economy, which is illustrated by the fact that as many as 205 consortia applied for the Fund's first public call, in which more than 600 companies from across the region participated, and that 37 consortia that the Fund will support include 175 companies from all sectors, from manufacturing to services, and all industries, ranging from mechanical and metal- processing to catering and IT industries.
Eleven consortia consisting of companies and educational institutions have been selected to receive support in the next four years in the total value of up to 4.2 million euros for the purchase of equipment and infrastructure works, as well as for financing the staff training.
H.E. Thomas Schieb, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia, said that it is extremely important for young people to be educated so that they can later use that education and find a job that suits them. "In the Western Balkans, youth unemployment is high. On the other hand, companies are looking for a workforce that has the appropriate competencies. The Regional Challenge Fund is a new instrument of development cooperation that aims to improve the employability potential of young people", said Schieb.
Rudiger Hartmann, Director of the Office of the German Development Bank (KfW) in Serbia, stressed the importance of cooperation between education and the economy because it provides a reliable perspective for young people, while Gabrijela Grujić, Assistant Minister for Dual and Entrepreneurial Education at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, pointed out that the support of KfW Bank will enable young people in the region to work on the most modern equipment and acquire new knowledge and skills for the future.
The Regional Challenge Fund project is being implemented in all six economies of the region. It is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, through the German Development Bank, and the main implementation partner is the Western Balkans Chamber Investment Forum (CIFWB6).