Geneva: Montenegro is fulfiling international obligations from WTO membership

Geneva, Switzerland (3 July 2017) -- Minister of European Affairs Aleksandar Andrija Pejovic is paying an official visit to Geneva, during which he met with with representatives of the World Trade Organisation, European Free Trade Association, World Economic Forum and he is participating in the regular session of the Committee for the Review of Trade Policy of the European Union.

Minister Pejović and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation Robert Azevedo exchanged views on the current developments and future plans in the economic and financial part of the negotiations for the XI Ministerial Conference to be held in Buenos Aires in December and regular Montenegro’s obligations stemming from its WTO membership. Minister Pejovic pointed out that fulfilment of obligations under membership in the WTO has a direct positive impact on the development within negotiation chapters, and consequently on the overall EU-Montenegro accession process. He said that Montenegro will continue with further liberalisation of the national trade regime and provide a transparent and stimulating environment for domestic and foreign companies.

"Montenegro is determined to continue with the dynamics of fulfilling commitments from the European agenda and to make a contribution to trade arrangements and harmonisation with international obligations arising from the WTO," Minister Pejović noted.

WTO Director-General Robert Azevedo congratulated Minister Pejović on the successes in the EU negotiation process and expressed his satisfaction with Montenegro's commitment to the obligations arising from two complementary processes - EU integration and WTO membership. He also emphasised the constructive cooperation the WTO has developed with the Permanent Mission of Montenegro to this international organisation. He reiterated his support for Montenegro in its further steps to align with EU standards and offered expert support in negotiating areas relating to obligations arising from membership in the organisation.

Minister Pejović said that, by joining the WTO, Montenegro demonstrated its determination to build a competitive and dynamic economy and its gradual integration into the global economy.