Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosts EBRD Vice President Phil Bennett

Podgorica, Montenegro (3 June 2015) -- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is willing to support development priorities of Montenegro and the region, today's meeting between Montenegro's Prime Minister Milo Đukanović and the EBRD Vice president Phil Bennett underlined. 

PM Đukanović said that the EBRD pays considerable attention to the Western Balkan region, emphasising that support for the development of the region is crucial for its future economic development and full European integration.

"The historical legacy which resulted in decades of lagging behind of the Western Balkans is seeking adequate European response, strong support for the development as a precondition for its full integration" he noted, stressing the necessity of investing in infrastructure, development projects and know-how in order to provide GDP growth, which guarantees that the region will be reaching European standards of living gradually but steadily.

Prime Minister Đukanovic commendedthe  cooperation established between Montenegro and the EBRD, noting that the financial organisation has identified Montenegro's development priorities and supported strengthening its economic base and increasing competitiveness of the economy and tourism development, energy security and efficiency, as well as environmental protection.

In the coming period, special attention should be paid to the construction of infrastructure and development of small and medium-sized enterprises, the meeting concluded.

Vice President Bennett said that the EBRD is willing to extend and deepen cooperation with Montenegro, as it is the engine of regional networking and development.

"We will be concentrating on oroviding supporting to small and medium enterprises, and other development projects," Mr Bennett stated. 

Both sides agreed that the successful cooperation between Montenegro and EBRD is based on partnership that results in projects focusing on the development needs of interest to Montenegro and its citizens.