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PMs Markovic, Li: First section of motorway will b...
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PMs Markovic, Li: First section of motorway will be completed in due course, according to highest standards and in full quality
Published on: Apr 13, 2019 • 12:49 AM Author: PR Service
"This was the most important topic of today's bilateral meeting. Prime Minister Keqiang clearly stated that he has already instructed their company to complete the first section of the motorway in due course, and that the works should be carried out according to the highest possible standards and in full quality," Prime Minister Marković highlighted.
He added that there is no doubt that this is not only a commercial project of the Government of Montenegro and the Chinese company CRBC, but a project of the two countries and two governments.
"We also opened up possibilities for cooperation in the next sections of the motorway - from Mateševo to Andrijevica and from Andrijevica to Boljare. It was clearly noted that their companies are interested in competing at a public tender for contractors in these two sections," the Prime Minister stated.
He said that his meeting with the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China was very constructive and that they also discussed the Chinese donation of EUR 5 million for the reconstruction of the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, as well as the creation of preconditions for the commencement of works.
"China is also interested in continuing cooperation with Montenegro in other sectors, not only in infrastructure, but also in agriculture, green economy, industry and production capacity building," said Prime Minister Marković.
Asked to comment on the views of some European officials, including Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Johannes Hahn, that investments from China are not welcome and that they can bring countries into "debt bondage," Prime Minister Duško Marković said that he does not understand such an approach.
"The responsibility for each investment, in particular capital investment in a country, and in Montenegro as well, is assumed by the government. Commissioner Hahn or anyone in Europe should not challenge Montenegro's decision to start the construction of its first motorway, as a prerequisite for overall development and linking in regional and European terms. We are fully aware of the risks that this investment brings, but we are also able to handle financial challenges. As you know in these three years, there have been none. This motorway is funded from the Exim Bank's loan, and 15% from the Montenegrin budget. This investment and the way of its financing cannot jeopardise the stability of our public finance," the Prime Minister of Montenegro stressed.
Prime Minister Duško Marković added that he thinks that we have seen concrete events in that regard lately, that the fear of the Chinese investment has ceased, not only in Montenegro, but also in Europe. As an illustration, he said that the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council met in Brussels a few days ago.
"We signed a joint statement that goes towards a free trade agreement and investments that imply fair relations, transparency and non-discrimination. Therefore, there is no fear of Chinese investment, I believe neither for Europe nor for Montenegro," the Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković told the press following his meeting with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang.
PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/k4m9mfKt1Ms
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