Bar-Belgrade railway holds priority in reconstructing Montenegro's rail infrastructure

Podgorica, Montenegro ( 11 April 2014) – Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Ivan Brajović hosted a China's delegation, composed of representatives of several state committees in charge of international cooperation and investments, as well as representatives of companies dealing with transport and maritime affairs.

Minister Brajović informed the Chinese representatives about Montenegro's railway network (the Bar-Belgrade railway, the Nikšić-Podgorica railway and the Podgorica – Shkoder railway) and business associations dealing with transport of goods and passengers, stressing that Montenegro has invested a large amount of money in the reconstruction of these railways.

Having in mind that significant investment influx will be derived from Montenegro’s Serbian partners, the priority will be the continuation of the Bar – Belgrade railway reconstruction in order to strengthen capacities for economic exploitation, Minister Brajović stressed. Given Montenegro’s debt capacities for the railway reconstruction are limited, Montenegro’s Transport Minister Ivan Brajović pointed out, adding the Government of Montenegro is willing to consider other financial possibilities and models such as concessions and public-private partnership.

The Memorandum on the reconstruction of the Budapest – Belgrade railway, which was signed signed last year, will consider possibilities of the project's continuation across the territory of Montenegro in order to better utilise the Montenegrin Port of Bar’s capacities, Secretary-General of the Chinese Delegation Li Guoyong emphasised.

The meeting also discussed the construction of the Bar-Boljare motorway, that is, the priority section Smokovac–Uvač-Mateševo, aimed at fostering and strengthening the excellent cooperation with the Chinese partners.