The President of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), Nina Drakić, emphasized Montenegro’s vast investment potential and its many advantages, noting the robust connections with Normandy, a region that represents France’s industrial strength.

“In recent years, we’ve observed an increasing interest from French businesses in the Montenegrin market. Our trade volume surpassed 110 million euros last year, highlighted by significant imports of vehicles, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial machinery. Conversely, while Montenegrin exports to France are still modest, they are trending upward,” Drakić remarked at a business forum in Caen, France, part of the Days of Montenegro in Normandy.

She noted that this business forum signifies a critical advancement in fostering collaboration with various French institutions, such as the Embassy of France in Montenegro, MEDEF International, the Normandy Regional Economic Development Agency, the Normandy Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Franco-Montenegrin Businesses.

“The French have a fondness for Montenegro, and France ranks among the top European nations whose citizens frequently visit our country. Nearly 100,000 French tourists come to Montenegro annually and, importantly, they leave with wonderful memories and return. Nonetheless, we must focus on attracting direct investments from France, given Montenegro’s vast potential and advantages,” she added.

Drakić believes that her visit to France reaffirms the commitment to strengthening economic ties with Normandy—a region synonymous with resilience, renewal, and European values, which Montenegro also upholds while striving for its European aspirations.

“Normandy serves as France’s energy hub, known for its cutting-edge agrotechnology in food production, a robust pharmaceutical sector, and shipbuilding. Meanwhile, Caen, as the region’s heart, is a vibrant university town with over 30,000 students. Montenegro envisions collaboration in these sectors. Additionally, the French initiative La French Tech, along with Normandy’s strong emphasis on the circular economy, digital transformation, and combating climate change, aligns well with Montenegro’s developmental objectives,” Drakić explained.

The Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić, urged companies from Normandy and beyond to consider Montenegro as a promising investment destination, particularly in tourism and related services.

“Montenegro, though small, harbors big ambitions and a clear European vision. We prioritize our membership in the European Union, and as a forward-thinking member state, we aim to facilitate knowledge exchange, share experiences, and attract investments. We hope this forum fosters a friendly and constructive atmosphere, focusing on tangible agreements, partnerships, and paving the way for a shared, prosperous future,” Kordić stated.

Nenad Radović from the Government Investment Agency highlighted Montenegro’s investment opportunities and expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce for its effective role in internationalizing the economy and aiding institutions across various economic sectors.

Following the presentations, B2B meetings were conducted where business representatives from both countries shared contacts, insights, and experiences.

The Days of Montenegro in Normandy were organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro in collaboration with the Embassy of Montenegro in France and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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