DPM Simović hosts Slovenian Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Počivalšek

Podgorica, Montenegro (7 November 2017) -- Milutin Simović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, hosted earlier today Minister of Economic Development and Technology of Slovenia Zdravko Počivalšek.

DPM Simović noted that Montenegro and Slovenia are important partners. He thanked Minister Počivalšek for Slovenia's strong support for Montenegro’s European and Euro-Atlantic perspective, which, inter alia, is reflected IN significant expert assistance in the negotiation process with the EU. He also thanked Minister Počivalšek for the help Slovenia provided as a NATO contact for Montenegro. Slovenia was the second country in the world and the first EU member to ratify the agreement on Montenegro's membership in NATO.

Deputy Prime Minister Simović stressed that Montenegro especially appreciates that Slovenia is an important provider of development aid to Montenegro, stressing that the bilateral relations between the two countries are friendly and remarkable and that there is room for their further improvement, especially in economic terms.

Ministers Simović and Počivalšek exchanged experience and suggestions for cooperation in the areas of agriculture, wood processing, forestry, trade, tourism, development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment.

DPM Simović informed the Slovenian delegation about two important systemic laws that are being drafted in Montenegro, namely the law on private-public partnership and the law on concessions. He said that the experience of Slovenia in these areas will be particularly significant for Montenegro.

Slovenian Minister presented the models of support Slovenia has offered to small and medium-sized enterprises and exporters, as well as the benefits it provides to foreign direct investors

He also presented the models of concessions Slovenia has applied in the management of goods of public interest.

He recommended Montenegro to boost promotion on the Slovenian emitting tourism market, as Slovenes are increasingly interested in Montenegro, especially in periods outside the main tourist season, adding that the Slovenian tourism industry will perform strongly on the Montenegrin market, as tourists from Montenegro are very respected, given the fact that their number and length of stay in Slovenia are increasing significantly year after year.

It was noted that open and concrete talks, such as this, are characteristics of only friendly countries, which are set to maintain and boost already good relations.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO