Kazimir Wins The Banker's 2018 European Finance Minister of the Year
Bratislava/London, January 2 (TASR) – Slovak Finance Minister Peter Kazimir has been chosen for the 2018 European Finance Minister of the Year award by British monthly The Banker in recognition of his work and the results accomplished by the Slovak economy, TASR learnt from the Finance Ministry press department on Tuesday.
According to the weekly, since Kazimir took up the post of finance minister in 2012, the Slovak economy has seen a pronounced revival, with the Slovak budget deficit scrunched down from 4.3 percent of GDP in 2012 to the planned 0.83 percent of GDP this year.
“I’m glad that our accomplishments are being recognised abroad as well. It’s a result of our efforts, but also the fact that we represent an equal partner for others in Europe,” said Kazimir in response, adding that the award also poses a commitment for the future.
The Banker pointed to the growth in the Slovak economy, which equalled 3.3 percent in 2016 and is expected to have maintained the same figure in 2017. In the current year the economy is expected to grow at a pace of 3.7 percent. “I hope that our economy will fare well also in the future, mostly by virtue of investments in the automobile industry and technological innovations,” said the minister.
The decision to award the prize to Kazimir was based on an evaluation by The Banker’s editorial room as well as a survey among influential European bankers and economists. In the past the award has gone to Irish minister Michael Noonan and Latvian minister Dana Reizniece-Ozola.
