PM Marković: We need to maintain growth rate of 4,5% in 2018

Podgorica, Montenegro (22 December 2017) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the end of today's talks with business people that 2018 will be challenging, because this year's successes set new standards and that we all need to be more positive.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the informal economy is a serious challenge and that, therefore, the Government is preparing to strengthen the measures defined in 2017 in order to better protect those who do business in line with the law and contribute to the creation of new values.

"I want to tell you that we will not have any dilemma or compromise. All those who are moving towards the gray market and informal economy will be under the impact of all our measures," the Prime Minister stressed.

In his words, additional measures will be introduced, meaning a different approach and new practices when it comes to control and supervision.

With regard to better support for business people, especially through incentive measures, PM Marković pointed out that the Ministry of Economy has provided support to more than 60 companies through support programmes in 2017, which proved to be very good and that is why the support from the Budget was increased by EUR 500.00. Additional funds have been provided to support local entrepreneurs to highlight domestic products and increase their competitiveness, that is, standards and quality, he explained.

Speaking about criticisms related to the illiquidity of the economy, the Prime Minister stated that today the State is the best and most responsible payer of all the services it uses, and that the country experienced an increased level of total liquidity.

The Prime Minister thanked the business people for today's talks and their attitude towards the Government and its ministries.

Prime Minister Marković called on the business people to be a partner with the Government and to invest in all sectors of the economy and build production capacities that will reduce the dependence of the economy on imports.

"You have this potential and I believe we can make a better result in 2018. I want to strengthen this partnership and to join our efforts towards this goal," Prime Minister Duško Marković concluded.

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