Montenegrin-Serbian Economic Commission discuss cooperation in fields of mutual interest

Podgorica, Montenegro (29 November 2013) – Montenegro’s Economy Minister Vladimir Kavarić and Serbian Regional Development Minister Igor Mirović signed the Protocol following the first meeting of the Montenegrin-Serbian Joint Economic Commission and agreed on concrete initiatives in the areas of payment transaction, tourism, energy and regional development.

Concerning further removal of costs in payment transactions, in which business people from both countries have been showing great interest for a long time, the commission agreed on setting up a working group consisting of representatives of central banks and bank associations, which will be required to propose solutions to the governments, Economy Minister Kavarić told the press earlier today.

In the field of tourism, Montenegro’s Economy Minister continues, it is necessary to identify hotel, touristic and infrastructure capacities owned by the state of Serbia or Serbian companies and to put them into operation to benefit both their owners and Montenegro’s tourism.

It was also agreed to establish a commission to deal with impacts the construction of the South Stream Gas Pipeline in Serbia, as well as the Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, will have on Montenegro and Serbia.

The meeting also discussed initiatives for establishing cooperation in the field of regional development and small and medium enterprises. The regional approach is significant as it increases possibilities of accessing IPA funds for both countries, Minister Kavarić concluded.