"Zelezara Smederevo" started paying claims to state-owned companies

(Photo: zelsd.rs)

The minister of trade, Zeljko Sertic, said that "Zelezara Smederevo" started paying their claims to state-owned firms and estimated that it is very good news.

At the meeting with journalists, Sertic said that Serbian steel plant will pay only to the Electric Power Industry of Serbia EUR 35 m only this year and said it has not been the case before.

Sertic said monthly sale of steel increased to 90.000 tons and that the second high furnace will start operating in the summer.

According to him, charcoal is now procured at the price which is USD 2,5 m lower.

Sertic reminded that Serbia committed in the agreement with IMF to stop supporting and help of any kind to state-owned companies.

- This refers to "Zelezaru Smederevo" as well. It not a problem to create reprogram for debts generated so far for public and state-owned companies by they have to start paying immediately for electricity, gas, water and all suppliers – the minister of trade said.