The Prime Minister Milojko Spajić convened a meeting with the leaders of the southern municipalities to explore investment prospects and assess interests in potential projects.

During this gathering, Prime Minister Spajić briefed local officials on his recent efforts aimed at enhancing Montenegro’s investment appeal. He noted the increasing interest from investors but also raised concerns about the local governments’ lack of initiative and efficiency.

The goal of our international engagements is to highlight Montenegro’s potential. However, it’s crucial to recognize that executing significant investments demands collaboration between central and local authorities. Our task is to create opportunities, while local administrations need to support the execution of major projects that will elevate living standards, stated the Prime Minister.

Spajić pointed out the benefits that new investments bring to local businesses, creating avenues for growth and expansion.

When an investor shows interest in our nation, municipalities must actively strive for their attention. Thus, it is vital to continuously improve the business climate and foster opportunities for local economic growth and job creation, he added.

The Prime Minister also revealed that the Government has renewed the Economic Cooperation Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which had lapsed in 2022 and was not reinstated by previous administrations. The agreement has been approved by the Government and will soon be officially signed with the UAE.

This agreement will lay the groundwork for collaboration in various sectors. Additionally, we will establish specific agreements with the UAE, including those related to significant tourism development projects across both southern and northern Montenegro. Such intergovernmental agreements facilitate quicker and more efficient project implementation, stated Prime Minister Spajić.

The meeting saw the participation of the leaders from the municipalities of Tivat, Željko Komnenović; Budva, Nikola Jovanović; Bar, Dušan Raičević; Kotor, Vladimir Jokić; Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić; and Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu.

They appreciated the Prime Minister’s initiative to engage local communities in the formulation of development policies. Additionally, they stressed that urban planning, infrastructure development, and addressing property and legal concerns are essential prerequisites for successfully executing development projects.

The President of the Municipality of Bar highlighted that their municipality has faced the repercussions of losing reliable investors and missing out on crucial opportunities previously.

As you negotiate intergovernmental agreements with the UAE, I urge you not to overlook Bar. We possess significant potential for development projects, including the Port of Bar and the airport, stated Raičević.

The President of the Municipality of Budva remarked that the city has been without significant capital projects for an extended period and emphasized that resolving property and legal issues must precede the development of the Jaz and Buljarica areas.

Other southern municipalities also reinforced their potential for development projects and committed to pinpointing specific initiatives that could attract interested investors.

Prime Minister Spajić reiterated that attracting new investments to Montenegro is a collective aim at all levels of government. He underscored the necessity for a strategic approach to engaging credible investors, as this significantly affects the nation’s standing as an investment destination.

Political or personal interests must not hinder Montenegro’s advancement. Any miscommunication at any level cannot justify lost opportunities, he stated.

Montenegro cannot afford to miss out on development chances. The competition within the region and beyond is intense. If we remain inactive, others will welcome these investors with open arms, concluded Prime Minister Spajić.