Montenegro and China sign cooperation agreements in economy, agriculture, culture, wine export

Podgorica, Montenegro (30 march 2012) – The official visit of Chinese Government’s delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Hui Liangyu, to Montenegro and the signing of cooperation agreements reflect a strong determination to boost already good and friendly mutual relations at all levels, Deputy Prime Minister Vujica Lazović told the press conference following the signing ceremony in Podgorica earlier today.

He underlined the fact that China’s foreign investments in 2011 amounted to US $ 68 billion and that China is the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Therefore, he added, Montenegro is highly interested in attracting Chinese investors.

“Today we have called on Chinese investors to get involved in concrete projects in Montenegro in energy, construction of hydro and thermo power plants, privatisation of terminal in the port of Bar , roads infrastructure and development of Montenegro’s tourism capacities,” DPM Lazovic underlined.

He also voiced Montenegro’s willingness to cooperate with Chinese companies in terms of steel production and exploitation of bauxite ore.

Montenegro and China signed on this occasion the cooperation agreements in agriculture, culture, education of Montenegrin diplomatic staff in China, as well as the framework economy agreement, that envisages EUR 1 million of Chinese grant aid.

Representatives of Montenegrin and Chinese companies “Plantaže” and “Sinochem” signed cooperation agreement in wine export and import of raw material for wine production. Given that nowadays China represents the most significant market for wine export, Montenegro stands good chance to advance its economy in this regard, the Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister explained.

China sees Montenegro as a good friend and a good cooperation partner, and aims to intensify mutual economic and political relation at all levels, Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu told the press.

He added that the Government will provide support to Chinese companies interested in investing in Montenegro, while also calling on the Montenegrin companies to start their businesses in China.