Transport Minister Brajović in Tirana: Reinforcement of regional transport market to create conditions for better exchange of goods

Tirana, Albania (11 February 2014) – Montenegro’s Transport Minister Ivan Brajović participated in the meeting of South East Europe Transport Ministers in Tirana on Monday. In addition to ministers from Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, the meeting was also attended by Head of the EU Delegation to Albania Ettore Sequi and General Manager at South East Europe Transport Observatory (SETTO) Nenad Nikolić.

The meeting particularly focused on cooperation within the regional network monitored by the SEETO, as well as on overcoming bottleneck issues, possibilities of using the EU funds as support for development infrastructure projects and possibilities of establishing the ferry line between Virpazar (Montenegro) and Shkodra (Albania).

Albanian Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Edmond Haxhinasto said that the SEETO cooperation is a successful example of boosting transport efficiency and business activities, which ultimately affects the economic development of the region.

Montenegro’s Transport Minister Brajović highlighted the progress that has been achieved by including the SEETO comprehensive network into the Trans-European Transport Network (TNT-T), which will enable the full transport integration of the Western Balkan's countries.

"Invigorating regional transport market will enable faster and better quality merchandise trade, the strengthening of trade, services and tourism, and will provide citizens with modern and safer transport services," Minister Brajović stressed.

He also referred to the most important projects being implemented in Montenegro, noting they are to be implemented hand-in-hand with the neighbouring countries and will have a regional character (Bar - Boljare highway, Adriatic - Ionian motorway, Plav - Gusinje road, Virpazar – Shkodra ferry line, etc).