DPM Šćekić advocates regional cooperation and EU integration at conference in Novi Sad

Deputy Prime Minister for Demography and Youth and Minister of Sports and Youth Dragoslav Šćekić participated in a session within the plenary "Common Regional Market and Demography: Can Migration Help?" as part of the Conference "One Region - One Market: A Step towards the Common Market of the EU" held at the Novi Sad Fair Congress Centre.

The conference, organised by the Center for Regional Economic Research and Analysis, focused on discussions surrounding local, regional, and European unity. Many officials from the region and embassies in Serbia participated, including Tomislav Momirović, Minister of Domestic and Foreig Trade of Serbia, Slobodan Cvetković, Minister of Economy of Serbia, Darija Kisić, Minister of Family Welfare and Demography of Serbia, and Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Deputy Prime Minister Šćekić expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the session, highlighting the topic's significance for the Western Balkans' residents' prosperity and living standard.

He emphasised the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity in achieving a common market in the Western Balkans, stating that Montenegro is ready to contribute and share its EU integration experiences with other Western Balkan countries.

Regarding infrastructure development, Šćekić highlighted the significance of projects such as the Bar-Boljare highway and the reconstruction of the Belgrade-Bar railway to enhance trade between Montenegro and Serbia.

He also discussed the challenges of utilizing EU funds efficiently and addressed the issue of brain drain, emphasising the government's commitment to addressing these issues through strategic planning.

Šćekić concluded by stating that with readiness, unity, and adherence to EU-established rules, Montenegro can become an integral part of the EU community by responding to EU market needs with innovation, collaboration, and shared ideas.

In addition to attending the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Šćekić held several bilateral meetings with government representatives from the region and potential investors.