DPM Simović in Berane: Differences are not obstacles for implementation of development projects for benefit of all citizens

"Political differences are not and will not be an obstacle for realisation of projects for the development of Berane municipality and good of all citizens of that municipality,"  the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Milutin Simović stressed.

During a working visit to Berane, DPM Simović held a meeting with the Mayor of the Municipality of Berane, Dragoslav Šćekić, within the framework of the practice of direct communication with local authorities. 

This was an opportunity to discuss the implementation of development projects that will, with the support of the Government, sustainably value the potentials of city of Berane.

The need for partner activities in order to create a favorable business environment and stimulate entrepreneurial initiatives is emphasised, which will contribute to the opening and development of production facilities, primarily in the fields of manufacturing, agriculture, energy, timber industry and tourism.

Furthermore, DPM Simović pointed out that the Government is very intensively working on the preparation of a whole set of laws that will contribute to a better position of local public finances, removing the already established barriers in implementing projects that contribute to the realisation of public interest, establishing clearly defined mechanisms of private-public partnership and reviewing numerous administrative taxes. The goal of all these changes is to create the conditions for accelerated growth of the economy and faster creation of more new jobs.

Mayor Šćekić expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the Government for the benefit of all citizens of Berane.

Šćekić pointed out that the Berane have significant potentials in the fields of agriculture, water resources, forestry and timber industry, which need to be valued more intensively. In that direction, he said, the government's support is significant.

Šćekić assessed that it is necessary to continue to work hard on creating and strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit of the inhabitants of this municipality. Šćekić also expressed the expectation that the Government's efforts to eliminate administrative and other barriers to the implementation of projects important for the development of the local economy and better servicing the needs of citizens will bring a new perspective to Berane.

Agrolužac plant - an example of a wise entrepreneurial initiative

DPM Simović and Mayor Šćekić also visited the production facility in Berane - "Agrolužac", which is a beneficiary of the non-refundable support from the Ministry of Agriculture. Investment - procurement of technological line for drying plums worth about EUR 150.000, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture through IPARD for processing, with a non-refundable EUR 65.000.

The plum drying line is installed, and the plan is procurement and lines for the production of jam, plum brandy and apple juice. The company also owns more than 5.000 plum seedlings and a significant need for redemption. The investor plan is to put the dryer in operation during this year's season, and to start with the production of jam in the next year. The market for the placement of these products is provided.

DPM Simović expressed his satisfaction with the sustainable concept of the project after visiting and talking with the investor. A special quality of the project is a perspective that opens for subcontractors, which, DPM Simović said, will encourage the development of agricultural farms engaged in the production of plums and other fruits. This project should be an incentive for the development of similar initiatives in Berane.