PM Spajić: Credible investors choose the best – municipalities must compete for them

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić held a meeting with the presidents of the southern municipalities to discuss investment opportunities and interest in potential projects.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Spajić informed local leaders about his recent engagements aimed at promoting Montenegro’s investment potential. He emphasized the growing interest from investors but also pointed out a lack of initiative and efficiency from local governments.

The objective of all international visits is to showcase Montenegro’s potential. However, we must understand that the realization of major investments requires synergy between central and local authorities. Our role is to create opportunities, while local administrations must facilitate the implementation of major projects that will improve living standards, stated the Prime Minister.

Spajić highlighted the positive impact of new investments on local businesses, as they create opportunities for growth and expansion.

When an investor expresses interest in our country, municipalities must actively compete for their attention. Therefore, it is essential to continuously enhance the business environment and create opportunities for local economic development and employment, he added.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Government has renewed the Economic Cooperation Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which had expired in 2022 and was not renewed by previous administrations. The agreement has been adopted by the Government and will soon be officially signed with the UAE.

This agreement will serve as a foundation for cooperation in various sectors. Additionally, we will sign specific agreements with the UAE, including those related to large-scale tourism development projects in both the southern and northern regions of Montenegro. Such intergovernmental agreements allow projects to be implemented more quickly and efficiently, stated Prime Minister Spajić.

The meeting was attended by the presidents of the municipalities of Tivat, Željko Komnenović; Budva, Nikola Jovanović; Bar, Dušan Raičević; Kotor, Vladimir Jokić; Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić; and Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu.

They welcomed the Prime Minister’s initiative to involve local communities in shaping development policies. Furthermore, they emphasized that urban planning, infrastructure, and resolving property and legal issues are key prerequisites for implementing development projects.

The President of the Municipality of Bar pointed out that the municipality has experienced the consequences of losing credible investors and missing out on significant opportunities in the past.

As you negotiate intergovernmental agreements with the UAE, I urge you not to overlook Bar. We have substantial potential for development projects, including the Port of Bar and the airport, stated Raičević.

The President of the Municipality of Budva noted that the city has lacked significant capital projects for a long time and stressed that resolving property and legal issues must precede the development of the Jaz and Buljarica areas.

Other southern municipalities also affirmed their potential for development projects and pledged to identify specific initiatives that could attract interested investors.

Prime Minister Spajić underscored that attracting new investments to Montenegro is a shared objective at all levels of government. He emphasized the need for a strategic approach to credible investors, as this directly impacts the country’s reputation as an investment destination.

Political or personal interests must not obstruct Montenegro’s development. Miscommunication at any level cannot serve as an excuse for missed opportunities, he stated.

Montenegro cannot afford to lose development opportunities. The competition within the region and beyond is fierce. If we do not act, others will welcome these investors with open arms, concluded Prime Minister Spajić.