PM Lukšić and ministers take over new ship, discuss future cooperation in energy and infrastructure with China

Shanghai/Beijing, China (31 August 2012) – Prime Minister Igor Lukšić and ministers for finance, economy, and transportation visited the People’s Republic of China this week for an official takeover of “21st May”, Montenegro's new ship built in China. They also met with Chinese officials and businessmen and discussed possible cooperation in other areas and attracting further Chinese investment. The Prime Minister dubbed the visit to China “very successful” and announced some potential cooperation projects to follow.

PM Lukšić noted that the visit, with primary task of taking over of “21st May”, the second ship commissioned in the cooperation programme with Poly Group and China Exim Bank, marked a successful starting point towards completing several important economic projects in Montenegro. 

He mentioned in particular the continuation of talks related to two Chinese companies’, Gezhouba and Sinohydro, interest in investing in Montenegro’s energy production industry, and also potential projects in infrastructure. The PM said that concrete offers are expected to arrive soon, but underlined that both the energy projects and the road-construction need careful planning that would ensure projects’ feasibility and include as little as possible burdening state guarantees. Economy Minister Kavarić said that by late September Montenegro expects an offer for a Chinese investment in the Pljevlja thermal power plant under favourable terms.

The PM remarked that he discussed with Chinese partners the continuation and upgrade of cooperation in wine-export, noting that it is of great importance for Montenegro to secure a portion of Chinese market for one of the country’s strongest export assets, which according to him already has a strong position in the Chinese market.

The Prime Minister and Economy Minister Kavarić explained that these projects and talks take place under the cooperation programme announced by China in April that includes 12 measures aimed at promoting friendly cooperation through favourable loan arrangements, which is of great importance for a small economy such as Montenegro. The 12 measures include the possibility of using a $10 billion fund for financing projects in infrastructure, innovative technology, and green economy. Montenegro is among the first countries in the region to propose concrete projects in the area of energy, economic and technology zones, tourism, culture, and human resources development.