Geneva: Montenegro’s progress encouragement for whole region

Geneva, Switzerland (26 February 2013) – Montenegro’s progress in the EU accession process is an encouragement for the whole region, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Pascal Lamy highlighted during his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić. He added that negotiations in certain chapters of the European acquis are compatible with the obligations arising from the WTO membership.

DPM Lukšić pointed out that Montenegro is committed to harmonising its legislation with the WTO standards, stressing that state’s institutions are currently working on the establishment of an effective system for monitoring the fulfilment of required obligations.

The meeting also discussed Montenegro’s permanent observer status and negotiations related to the Agreement on Government Procurement, which is compatible with negotiating chapter 8: Competition Policy. Director General of the WTO said this organisation will provide technical and expert assistance to Montenegro and foster its participation in the special Committee for Agriculture, Small and Medium-sized companies and services.

DPM Lukšić concluded by saying that successful completion of Montenegro’s negotiations with the WTO is in the best interest of the entire region. The WTO welcomed Montenegro as its 154th member on 29 April 2012.