World Bank’s Le Houérou at meeting with PM Lukšić: Montenegro “has clear vision and good management”

Podgorica, Montenegro (21 June 2011) – Prime Minister Igor Lukšić met with World Bank’s Vice-President Philippe Le Houérou to discuss Montenegro-World Bank partnership and define future cooperation. Acknowledging the progress the Government and the Central Bank have made in helping stabilise and recover the national economy following the downturn caused by the financial crisis, Vice-President Le Houérou said he is “glad to see that the Government has a clear strategy and vision and also a good team for managing key challenges.”

Mr Le Houérou specified that some of Montenegro’s tasks for the future include meeting the European criteria and combining sustainable development and environmental protection with new investment. He commended Montenegro’s EU integration progress, saying that the key to success is to combine the political will, which is present in Montenegro, with the technical capacity needed to undertake reform, while pledging at the same time the World Bank’s readiness to support strategic national goals.

Prime Minister Lukšić lauded the continued cooperation with the World Bank and especially the projects of crucial importance for Montenegro’s development. He reiterated Montenegro’s strong commitment to move forward after the economic downturn: “It is important that we know where we are headed and what we have to do to ensure long-term positive implications for our citizens. We are dedicated to meeting EU recommendations, while creating, at the same time, better living conditions for our citizens.”

He informed his interlocutor of future reform strategies for a number of policies, including health, education, and business environment: “We wish to encourage entrepreneurship, new investment and make room for new values.”