Meeting with the World Bank delegation

Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, led by Minister Vladimir Joković, met with representatives of the World Bank as part of the World Bank mission visiting Montenegro from 16 to 20 October 2023. The focus of the discussion was the MIDAS 2 project.

The mission's objective was the handover of duties from Ms. Silvia Mauri, the former team leader, to Mr. Teklu Tesfaye, the current team leader.

During the meeting, the progress in implementing the project in line with the Action Plan, agreed upon during the previous mission in June 2023, was emphasized. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management Vladimir Joković expressed satisfaction with the success achieved in the implementation of activities within the MIDAS 2 project and the fruitful collaboration with major global institutions.

In the current year, progress has been made in increasing the inclusion of areas into the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) through dedicated payments for private meadows and pastures, with plans to continue this process until the complete identification of all utilized agricultural land in Montenegro.

Preparatory activities for the construction of two future regional offices, known as "Houses of Agriculture" in Berane and Pljevlja, are in progress. The development of a Veterinary Information System is in its final stages, and work is intensive in activating the National Reference Phytosanitary Laboratory, as well as constructing facilities for the processing of by-products of animal origin.

With the support of the World Bank, a draft Fisheries Strategy has been developed, and successful coordination by the relevant ministry has led to the finalization of this strategic document, expected to be adopted soon. The market study for fisheries is in the final stages, which will serve as the basis for a new legislative framework in the field of structural measures, state aid, and the organization of the fisheries and aquaculture market.

Regarding infrastructure enhancement, the tender for equipping ten first landing sites has been completed. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study for the fishing port of Rt Đeran will be finalized by the end of the year, formally meeting the technical and legal conditions for continuing negotiations with the World Bank for financial support in building the port. The importance of improving and modernizing the fleet through MIDAS 2 grants for fisheries was also mentioned.