DPM Lazović: Membership in NATO is civilisational step forward for Montenegro

Podgorica, Montenegro (9 June 2016) -- Deputy Prime Minister Vujica Lazović delivered a speech at the seminar titled "Procurement procedure in NATO system,"sponsored by the NATO Membership Council's Communication Team and Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro.

"NATO invitation is a civilisational step forward for Montenegro and full-fledged membership is a confirmation of the political and economic stability, which is critical for continuous inflow of investment,” DPM Lazović noted in his address. The seminar placed special emphasis on direct and indirect effects of membership, and presented comparative analysis of the economic implications in NATO member states, such as Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary.

“Given the characteristics of the Montenegrin economy as a small and open system, it is certain that we cannot remain immune to turbulent developments at the global level. But in times of economic crisis, we managed to maintain macroeconomic stability, increase productivity and preserve a favourable economic environment. In order to maintain this trend and increase economic development, membership in NATO can be very useful, since joining the Alliance has global geopolitical influence on the member states' economy," said the Deputy Prime Minister

DPM Lazović said that the adoption and implementation of NATO standards is one of the most challenging tasks in the accession process.

"NATO membership enables the Montenegrin business people to export, on an equal basis with other producers from NATO member states, products needed for life and work of the armed forces, but also of their civilian consumers, on the market of over 900 million inhabitants. Furthermore, the Montenegrin companies will be eligible to participate in NATO operations, which annual volume of work amounts to over 700 billion US dollars,” DPM Lazović concluded.

National Coordinator for NATO Vesko Garčević pointed to the fact that membership in NATO creates conditions for economic growth and development.

"Indicators clearly show that an environment of a safe and secure political, economic and investment destination has a decisive influence on foreign direct investment," he underlined.

Mr Garčević stressed that this seminar is another opportunity for business people to inform themselves and learn practical instructions for applying in tenders and funding of the Alliance.

"The interest the Montenegrin entrepreneurs voiced in this and previous activities the Communication Team is undertaking in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce shows that there is willingness and commitment to full involvement in future activities and the achievement of standards, which will mean a better economic and overall social reality of Montenegro as a NATO member," National Coordinator Garčević.