Press release from 6th Cabinet session

Podgorica, Montenegro (22 December 2016) – At the sixth session held earlier today, the Montenegrin Cabinet discussed the implementation of priority projects in the field of tourism. It was pointed out that the most of the projects are being implemented on schedule and in accordance with the investment programmes. Today’s discussion stressed that projects of construction and reconstruction of the hotels Hilton and Palmon Bay have been completed, that construction of hotel and tourism facilities within the Lustica Bay and Porto Novi projects are underway, and that contract for the construction of ski-lifts and 4 km of trails at the Kolašin 1600 site with a leading company in this field - Doppelmayr of Austria has been signed. In addition, it was pointed out that it is necessary to continue to create conditions for new infrastructure projects, in particular in the north of the country.

Cabinet also addressed programs of the European Union’s support for Montenegro in 2016. It was noted that during 2016, the implementation of projects under the IPA I (2007 - 2013) and part of the projects covered by IPA II programmes (2014-2020) have been continued and that almost all planned funds have been used. During 2016, the action plans for IPA 2016 for sectors Environment and Climate Action, and Competitiveness and Innovation have been brought to an end. When it comes to regional and territorial cooperation, the implementation of projects under the Mediterranean Programme and South East Europe Programme continued, as well as the implementation of projects within the framework of bilateral cross-border cooperation. Furthermore, implementation of the already approved projects financed by the Western Balkan Investment Framework continues.

Draft Annual Plan of Action for 2017 and the Draft Financial Plan of the Investment and Development Fund (IDF) for 2017  were approved at the Cabinet session. Plans tasks the IDF to use EUR 120 million for the realisation of the credit lines that will be focused primarily on the increase in the number of employees, as well as the preservation of existing jobs. The plans also define credit lines for supporting specific target groups, namely young people, beginners, women, university graduates, farmers, innovative entrepreneurship, ICT business, cluster production, people with disabilities. Furthermore, the loans will also support the existing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; maintaining or boosting liquidity; competitiveness of the Montenegrin products and services in other markets; new investment; infrastructure and environmental projects, as well as projects in terms of energy and energy efficiency.

Cabinet also discussed the continuation of municipal infrastructure projects financed by the European Investment Bank and accepted the Financing Agreement between Montenegro and the EIB for the last tranche of the loan arrangement totalling EUR 25.5 million.

Cabinet appointed Dragan Pejanović as National Coordinator for NATO.

At the initiative of the Prime Minister Marković, the Cabinet decided that the day care centres for children with disabilities in Bijelo Polje and Berane will receive a EUR 5.000 grant support, respectively. The Prime Minister stressed that this example should encourage senior officials to redirect funds collected by reducing costs and provide assistance to the most vulnerable categories of citizens, in line with previous conclusions of the Government.