Montenegro and Italy have cultivated a rich friendship, cooperation, and sense of unity over the centuries, sharing common values, objectives, and history. According to Nina Drakić, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, Italy is a cornerstone of our nation’s economic growth, political stability, and progress towards joining the European community of states.

On April 3, the Embassy of Italy in Montenegro, alongside the Italian Foreign Trade Agency (ICE) office in Podgorica and the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro (PCCG), hosted a roundtable event named “Montenegro-Italy Economic Dialogue,” as announced by the PCCG.

This significant event provided a platform for businesspeople from both nations to connect, share experiences, and forge new partnerships while showcasing ongoing projects and investment opportunities across vital sectors.

“Italy’s economy, while predominantly service-oriented, is also renowned for its strengths in sectors like industry, mechanical engineering, fashion, energy, agriculture, and gastronomy. This serves as an aspirational model for Montenegro’s economy, which seeks to diversify its offerings, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen resilience against global challenges,” stated Drakić.

Drakić expressed confidence in Montenegro’s potential in tourism, agriculture, energy, and trade, confident that Italy acknowledges these opportunities.

The Italian Ambassador to Montenegro, Andreina Marsela, noted that the initiative for this gathering originated from the visit of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, to Montenegro last September. During discussions with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the idea to arrange a visit for Italian businesses interested in the Montenegrin market was agreed upon, aimed at fostering initial contacts and exploring future cooperation and investment possibilities.

“It is a pleasure to welcome representatives from leading Italian associations and companies across agriculture, transport infrastructure, energy, environmental protection, and tourism projects,” remarked Marsela.

She stressed the importance of the final session of B2B and B2G meetings, expressing hope that it would yield tangible benefits for all participants.

“I wish you ongoing success and trust that this dialogue will open up new avenues for collaboration,” she added.

Antonio Ventresca, Director of the ICE office in Belgrade and Podgorica, highlighted that this meeting represents more than just a conference; it symbolizes the beginning of practical cooperation between the institutions and businesses of both nations.

“Dialogue is about building links through communication. This is not a one-off event but rather a gateway to sustained collaboration,” Ventresca emphasized.

He also mentioned that Italy has already initiated projects involving design, culinary arts, and the agri-food sector, with the goal of converting these contacts into concrete business initiatives.

The Ministry of Economy and Trade of Montenegro reported attendance by various officials, including Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Development of the North, Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić, and Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, and Coordinator of the Ministry of Energy, Admir Šahmanović, as well as representatives from relevant ministries and business groups.

Minister Damjan Ćulafić discussed significant infrastructure projects, particularly in waste management, asserting that they will accelerate the development of municipal infrastructure in alignment with European standards, and stressed the importance of managing valuable raw materials to facilitate a transition to a sustainable, circular economy.

Minister Admir Šahmanović emphasized the progress in the regulatory framework for energy development in Montenegro over recent years and highlighted major energy projects, primarily involving planned solar and wind power facilities that could boost production capacity by as much as 550 percent.

Minister Simonida Kordić reaffirmed Montenegro’s dedication to fostering sustainable tourism, emphasizing the advantages the country presents to investors in this sector. She noted that quality investments could facilitate year-round tourism, particularly in the northern region, which is rich in untapped potential.

“Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, including Mirsad Spahić, and the Ministry of Transport, represented by Marijana Stanić and Miroslav Mašić, underscored key infrastructure projects and highlighted cooperation opportunities with Italy in their implementation. Additionally, Aleksandra Božović from the Investment Agency presented Montenegro’s business and investment climate. The event concluded with presentations from Italian business associations and companies, followed by B2B and B2G meetings that enabled direct engagement between Italian and Montenegrin businesses, along with discussions involving institutional representatives. Participating entities included Agriserbia – Ferrero Hazelnut Company; National Association of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers (FEDERUNACOMA); Finest SpA; Fondazione Agrifood & Bioeconomy FVG; Association of Organizations of Engineers, Architects and Economic and Technical Advisors (OICE); 3TI Progetti and SIMEST. The meeting was moderated by Jelena Adžić, a representative from the Sector for International Cooperation at the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro,” the statement concluded.

News