Montenegro and Serbia set to boost tourism cooperation

Belgrade, Serbia (28 February 2014) -- Belgrade's International Tourism Fair “IFT 2014” is, in addition to excellent promotion of Montenegro’s tourism offer, an ideal place for exchanging key information and experiences, as well as for setting cooperation priorities, the meeting between Montenegro’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Branimir Gvozdenović and Serbian Economy Minister Igor Mirović concluded in Belgrade earlier today. 

The two officials commended economic cooperation between the two countries and exchanged information on current investment projects, stressing the possibility of linking future projects of common interest through common approach to potential investors.

Minister Gvozdenovic reiterated importance of setting up working groups which will be responsible for coordinating activities in different areas of tourism cooperation. It was pointed out that tourism, as an industry, increasingly occupies key positions in international relations, adding that cooperation in the field of tourism is a driving force of overall economic development in both countries, since they have plenty of potential for development in this area.

Following the meeting, the two officials signed the cooperation memorandum in the field of tourism, which, in Minister Gvozdenović’s words, “continues the success tourism story, which is a symbol of friendship and a pillar of stable and sustainable regional development." The memorandum regulates issues concerning easier crossing of state borders, exchange of experience and expertise, promotion of tourism, support for investments in tourism, consultancy meetings and other issues of common interest.

Minister Gvozdenovic also met in Belgrade with Serbian Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić. Economic relations between Montenegro and Serbia are steadily rising and there is great potential for joint appearance at the third markets in different sectors of economy, the meeting emphasised. It was also noted that Serbia is the most important foreign trade partner of Montenegro, and bearing in mind the proximity of the market special attention should be paid to marketing opportunities which are still underutilised.