DPM Simović opens new Tobacco Plant: Government will continue to work on job creation and growth of living standards and quality of life of citizens

(Montenegro, Podgorica, 24 May 2018)-- Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Milutin Simović opened today the new Tobacco Plant Podgorica and said that the planned export of  EUR 25 million will contribute to the balance of  foreign trade deficit annually, that the new factory, in addition to employment of more than a hundred people significantly expand the network of subcontractors, and the Government will continue to work on securing the growth of the economy and the living standards of citizens and  job creation.

"A special value to this project is the announcement by investors of the intention to strengthen and expand the cooperative network of primary tobacco production in Zeta, Tuzi, Ulcinj, Bar and Bjelopavlići. As you can see, a plant for primary processing of purchased tobacco is already being built. For this reason, this factory, besides jobs in these plants, which will be more than 100, will have its largest drive under the open sky. A plant where many tobacco growers with a long tradition in production can work, generating a significant source of their existence for the generations, selling of tobacco to  tobacco industry. For the development of primary tobacco production, the Government and the Ministry will continue to strengthen the support of valuable hosts," DPM Simović said,  opening the new Tobacco  Plant in Podgorica.

By pointing out that the Government is resolutely working on the priority - providing further dynamic growth of our economy, creating new jobs and increasing the living standards and quality of life of all citizens, the Deputy Prime Minister listed several development projects throughout Montenegro:

"Yesterday, in Bioče began a production of new wood processing Factory. Tonight, Tehnomax will open the most modern logistics center of its kind in Southeast Europe. This May was completed works on the new tourist resort of Ulcinj, as well as at the Riviera Hotel with intensive construction on numerous other tourist facilities that complement our tourist offer and promise the continuation of the dynamic growth of our tourism economy in the north and south. A few days ago we marked the beginning of a new life and a new sip of Bjelo Polje 's  mineral water Rada. The preparations for the start of the new large water bottling plant in Šavnik are being prepared. In May, contracts for the valorisation of state-owned agricultural land were signed for an area of ​​200 hectares, where new olive trees, plantations of medicinal herbs, vineyards and processing plants will be raised. These days, we analyze the results of the First Public Invitation to the IPARD Program. I also use this opportunity to share the satisfaction with the fact that around 500 producers are ready to realize significant investments in primary production, for which they will receive 60-70% of grants. This May, we continue and intensify the work on numerous infrastructure projects: The works on the highway are intensifying. The Moračica Bridge, as a symbol of the first share, receives its final outlines from day to day. We also undertake activities to quickly build construction projects on another stake. Investments of  the EUR 120 million are intensified in the infrastructure of ski resorts in Bjelasica, Hajla and Durmitor. The realization of these projects will bring a new momentum to the North. It will bring new development opportunities for both tourism and agriculture and for other sectors. It will bring new jobs and a new quality of life. Numerous capital projects have also been launched in the energy sector: ecological reconstruction of the First Block of Thermal Power Plant Pljevlja, construction of a new Gvozd wind farm in Nikšić, intensifying work on the wind farm of Mogura between Bar and Ulcinj, construction of a solar farm in Briška Gora. Undergoing capital overhauls in the HPPs and Perućica hydropower plants, which will prolong the lifespan of these power plants and ensure their high operational readiness and safety, intensive preparation of investment and technical documentation for the construction of the Komarnica HPP and the installation of the eighth aggregate in HPP Perućica, "- emphasised DPM Simović.

DPM Simović said that the critics do not spare the Government which is resolutely working on these key priorities.

"We remember, today many have praised the end of the tobacco industry in Montenegro and the crash of this project. And today, as always, when decisiveness, progress, entrepreneurship, strategic partnership are won, and development projects are realized, duty critics and those who see their defeat in Montenegro's progress - quiet. They retreat into the darkness of their destruction and squeeze new projects that they want to stop. We will not deal with them. We will only mention them to recognize themselves, "underlined DPM Simović  adding that, despite criticism, the construction of factories, new tourist facilities, agricultural and food facilities, modern roads, new enegyptic facilities will be continued throughout Montenegro.

"Montenegro will continue to be a growing construction site. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to achieving our vision of development. We will continue to strengthen the diversification of our economy in order to further achieve high growth rates, the stability of our economy and, in particular, opening prospects for as many new quality jobs as possible. Our citizens need a European quality of life. Only dynamic development and stability can quickly lead us to that goal. On this path we must not lose one day. For this we were given the mandate of the citizens of Montenegro,"  Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System Milutin Simović concluded, putting into operation the New Tobacco Plant Podgorica.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO