Presentation of Mr. Igor Lukšić, PhD, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, at Johns Hopkins University

Mr. Igor Lukšić, PhD, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister held the presentation at prominent Johns Hopkins University in Washington Global economic crises effects to Southeastern Europe. The Deputy Minister acquainted the students with the Euro - Atlantic integration process, WTO accession and other important political and economic topics in Montenegro. When talking about the economic and financial crises effects to Montenegro, Mr. Lukšić presented the package of social-economic measures aimed at overcoming the consequences of the crises, related to the support to economy, small and medium-sized enterprises, banking sector, citizens, etc. The EU and the World Bank credit support was emphasized as potential crises absorbers. To the question why Montenegro did not borrow from the IMF, the Deputy Prime Minister explained that up to now, Montenegro didnt need the IMF arrangements, and the new Government will decide on this issue. As for economic reforms, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of introducing Euro since it proven to be crucial in stabilization of monetary system, free inflow of capital and policy of single digit taxes, as well as on the concept of creating open economic system for new investments.