DPM Ivanović talks with IFAD delegation

Podgorica, Montenegro (16 August 2016) – Deputy Prime Minister Petar Ivanović hosted delegation of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which will stay in Montenegro until 27 August 2016. The delegation of IFAD consists of experts in various areas, including rural infrastructure, the development of clusters and cooperatives, climate change, finance, etc. It is planned that the delegation visits several municipalities in Montenegro, summer pastures and agricultural producers, mainly in the north of Montenegro, with the aim of finalising the project, whose implementation would begin next year in Montenegro.

"The financial and expert support of IFAD is very important for Montenegrin agriculture. Improving infrastructure, primarily in the area of water supply and repair of roads in rural areas determines the future development of agriculture. This is not just a question of improving the quality of life of our citizens, but also linking agricultural producers through cooperatives, creation of value chain and a stronger binding of the primary production and processing. With constant training, we will strengthen our competitiveness in this way. In addition to the already secured grant of 52 million EUR through IPARD, 50 million USD of loan funds from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, 10 million EUR that are already available to Montenegrin farmers through programmes IPARD-like 1 and 2, the amount of 5 million USD from IFAD represent another evidence of the continued work on strengthening Montenegrin agriculture," DPM Ivanović said.

In 2015 Montenegro became a member of IFAD. In November the same year, IFAD Board of Directors approved the initial loan funds in the amount of 3 million USD. Meanwhile, taking into account the requirements of Montenegro and constantly communicating with the chiefs of IFAD, grant of 2 million USD was approved.

The representatives of IFAD visited Montenegro three times. During these visits the representatives of this Fund became familiar with the specificity of agriculture in Montenegro and potential areas for investment and improving the lives of people in rural areas. Meetings with representatives of relevant national and international institutions were also held.