PM Marković, EIB's Scannapieco: Boosting investment in tourism, energy, infrastructure

Podgorica, Montenegro (20 March 2017) -- European Investment Bank (EIB) is interested in providing incentives, through granting loans, in the fields of tourism, energy and infrastructure, including the strengthening of social infrastructure - construction of schools and hospitals through public-private partnerships, said EIB Vice-President Dario Scannapieco at the meeting the Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković.

Mr Scannapieco praised Montenegro's measures of financial consolidation, adding that they must not discourage investment and that it is important to support the private sector.

Prime Minister Marković thanked the EIB for their support amounting around EUR 400 million, adding that it is significant to enable the administration to take advantage of the opportunities available. Both sides agreed that the success of cooperation between the EIB and the Government depends on the know-how, skills and efficiency of the administration, emphasising that the assistance and expertise of the EIB in that regard can be of high significance in developing and strengtening the public administration.

EIB Vice President also commended today's signing of the loan agreement between the EIB and the Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro, stressing that the reconstruction of the railway on the Montenegrin soil, along with the works to be performed in Serbia, is crucial for making the best use of our resources, primarily of the Port of Bar.

Commenting on today's signing of the financial agreement between the Investment Development Fund (IDF) and the EIB, the Prime Minister pledged the Government's willingness to further develop, throught the IDF, entrepreneurship, and small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular in agriculture, and promote youth employment.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO