DPM Simović visits wood processing factory in Bioče: New factory, new jobs, export growth as aresult of joint efforts

 

(Montenegro, Bioče, 23 May 2018)-- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Milutin Simović, together with the Mayor of Podgorica Slavoljub Stijepović and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Investment and Development Fund of Montenegro (IDF MN) Zoran Vukčević, today marked the beginning of work of the new factory in the wood industry in Bioče.

 

Within the factory, within the company "BEKOM - CO", are modernly constructed and equipped plants for primary wood processing, impregnation of products of cut material and pellets. The total investment amounted to EUR 3 million, provided from own funds and loan funds of IDF. The factory already has 30 workers, and in the phase is the reception of the new 16 workers, which will, after the completion of trial production, begin to work in pellets. The total number of workers, including forest workers and distribution is 70.

Investor: The state has created an environment for production

The co-owner of the factory, Petar Kljajević, explained that the BEKOM company also operates within the company "Šik Lim" from Bijelo Polje, which has two factories in the north, and that the total number of employees in all plants is around 140. According to Kljajevic, the main incentive for the current business steps and plans for expanding production is the Government's decision to limit the export of timber assortments, as they have been given the opportunity to secure high quality raw materials through concessions and to realize investment plans for expanding production. "It is a guarantee that we will be provided with raw materials and that we will be able to expand our capacities," Kljajević said. He said that in these factories, they produce construction products, timber products for further final production, especially furniture, as well as they  plan to produce annually 25,000 tons of pellets and this is the  only factory in Montenegro whic is impregnating the material. For now, as he said, the goods from primary production are exporting to the countries of the region, and the pellet will go to EU countries - Slovenia and Italy. The owner of the company BEKOM also praised the capital's relationship in the realization of the investment in Bioče, as well as the IDF MN, took favorable credit funds for the purchase of equipment.

DPM Simović: New factory, new jobs, export growth as a result of joint efforts

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Milutin Simović, expressed satisfaction with the opening of another factory, opening new jobs and creating a new value, especially since this new value has its own market, not only regionally, but also demanding European market.

 

The new factory in the wood industry on Bioče is the result of: the entrepreneurial energy of the Kljajević family; a favorable business environment created from the capital city level; favorable incentive policy of lending that is created from the level of Government through IDF; responsible policies from the level of the Government that creates and implements systematic solutions for the improvement of the forestry and wood processing sector, " stressed out DPM Simović, who reminded of the results of the Government's decision to limit exports of wood assortments, as well as other systemic solutions in this area.

 

"This is the way to new factories, new jobs, to new export contenders, which are not small. In particular, this factory will have over 5 million euros annually, will employ 70 workers. These are answers to key priorities - the development of the economy at the local level, the development of the economy, taking into account the regional approach. In particular, in this case, in the area of ​​the capital city, but every location in Montenegro is equally important to us. This is the way to create favorable living conditions for all our citizens, " DPM Simović underlined, adding that the opening of new facilities is ahead of us.

Major Stijepović: The capital city is here to support business and the development of the city and rural areas

 

Mayor of the capital city of Pogorica, Slavoljub Stijepović said that every new production facility that is open and has long-term sustainability is important for the capital city, it hires workers and has a perspective.

"One of our first steps almost four years ago was the opening of the Bureau for Economic Cooperation and Support to the Business Community, in order to enable businessmen to find all the necessary information in one place, and to have feedback from them, what is what we would like we can do more in the local government to strengthen entrepreneurship, and hence employment and self-employment. We added additional winds to the companies at the very beginning of their business, providing them with free office space, accounting services in the first year of work, refunding the establishment costs and free counseling. " concluded Stijepović.

 

He recalled that the capital has signed an agreement on cooperation with IRF. From its representatives, we have adopted the methodology of developing a business plan that this important institution requires so that all those interested in the loan funds provided by the Fund can get help in our Bureau in the form of a free business plan and instructions regarding the procedures and characteristics of the credit lines it offers.

 

According to him, all investments in the economy are precisely for the purpose of greater employment of people. "We are particularly pleased with the suburban areas, because this contributes to the fulfillment of one of the goals of this administration, which is a balanced development of the city," concluded Stijepović.

 

Vukčević: A good example of the development of family entrepreneurship

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors of IDF, Zoran Vukčević said that the factory in Bioče is a good example, not only of the development of the wood industry, the need for more finalization of wood processing, and export orientation, but also an example of the development of entrepreneurship in general, especially for the family. This investment, which is made according to the most up-to-date standards, should be an additional motive for other businessmen. It is especially important that it opens new jobs, which is very important for resolving the unemployment problem in Montenegro, "said Vukcević.