PM Krivokapić spoke with EBRD representatives

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić held an online meeting with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso and her associates. Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media Tamara Srzentić, Minister of Economic Development Jakov Milatović, Minister of Finance and Social Welfare Milojko Spajić and Minister of Capital Investments Mladen Bojanić also participated in the meeting.

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić informed European partners about the priorities of the Government in the coming period, especially in terms of building strong institutions, as a guarantor of independence and economic development, in order to improve the quality of life of Montenegrin citizens and Montenegro's accession to the European Union. The Prime Minister also informed his interlocutors about the projects being implemented in Montenegro, among which are the construction of the priority section of the Bar - Boljare motorway, oil and gas exploration in the Montenegrin offshore, as well as the works that are still in the project phase, relating to the green economy and the Government’s efforts to create a digital society.

PM Krivokapić and EBRD representatives expressed readiness to improve cooperation and to contribute to the achievement of positive and visible results in the coming period, primarily in order to improve infrastructure in Montenegro, as well as support the banking sector and small and medium enterprises.

The President of the EBRD welcomed the efforts undertaken by the Government, saying that they were ready to provide full support.

“I see that you have a clear approach and a clear strategy of what you want to do for your country and it’s nice to see that,” Renaud-Basso said. She pointed out that the EBRD increased its presence and participation in Montenegro during 2020, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am talking about 160 million of financing through various financial institutions to support small and medium enterprises, local partners and institutions. These are 16 projects, including projects that support women in business, support to the banking sector, the Deposit Protection Fund. So, it is a series of different projects that have a high volume in financial terms, which show our will and readiness to support Montenegro," said the President of the EBRD.

She emphasised that transport connectivity is an important topic for the region. When it comes to energy, Renaud-Basso pointed out that there are three priorities for them - greening the economy, digitalization and gender equality. She stressed the importance of diversifying the economy, and that the EBRD is recognisable for supporting the private sector.

"That's why we want to invest in infrastructure, but in a way to help the private sector thrive. Economic development depends on the private sector and that is a way to avoid relying on public sources of financing," Renaud-Basso said.

Minister of Finance and Social Welfare Milojko Spajic said that the Government fully shares the vision of EBRD support to the private sector, not only because of Montenegro's high level of public debt, but because of the efficiency and effectiveness of the private sector in relation to state-owned enterprises. He emphasised the importance of transport connectivity, saying that work on infrastructure is extremely important for Montenegro.

Minister of Capital Investments Mladen Bojanić emphasised the importance of the Port of Bar, concluding that they are doing everything to connect it with the road and railway infrastructure.

Minister of Economic Development Jakov Milatović said that Montenegro is a leader in European integration, and that their goal is to accelerate reforms and that Montenegro becomes a member of the EU by the end of the Government's mandate.

Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media Tamara Srzentić said that digitalization is one of the pillars of the Government and that they strongly support the participation of women in management.