PMQs - PM Krivokapić: Government's commitment to development of the north is unquestionable

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić said that the Regional Development Strategy of Montenegro expired in 2020. Bearing in mind that activities on its development unfortunately did not begin last year, the Ministry of Economic Development planned to intensify activities in this year to create this important document.

"More precisely, the drafting process has already begun, and it is planned to finalise the document at the end of the current or the beginning of next year. The comprehensiveness of regional development policy requires a broad process of consultation with other state institutions, local governments, business representatives, the business community, scientific research institutions and the NGO sector, with particular emphasis on cooperation with local governments. The goal is to integrate local needs and priorities into regional, i.e. national development priorities," Prime Minister Krivokapić answered to the question of Suada Zoronjić from the MP Group "In Black and White".

The Prime Minister pointed out that in the Northern region, most investments are still being made in sustainable growth projects, i.e. primarily in transport infrastructure, and then projects in the field of energy, agriculture and environmental protection.

Speaking about infrastructure capital projects in Bijelo Polje - Ski Centre Cmiljača, Bjelasica and Đalovića Cave in Bistrica, PM Krivokapić said that it should be noted that these projects date back to 2015 and have not been completed to date. Krivokapić said that to date we have investments with contractual obligations in the amount of over 18 million euros.

The Prime Minister said that, when it comes to the proposal of the capital budget for 2021, it should be noted that allocations in the amount of 8,482,088 euros are planned for projects that are implemented through the programme "Improvement of the tourist offer".

30.1% of the funds that are planned to be invested in the north through the programme "Improvement of the tourist offer" in 2021 refer to projects in the municipality of Bijelo Polje, i.e. the project of valorisation of Đalovića cave and construction of ski centre Cmiljača. Thus, 18% of the funds are planned from the Capital Budget Proposal for the improvement of the tourist offer in the north and the construction of ski infrastructure. The proposed budget envisages investments in the north and in projects of environmental protection, protection, preservation and improvement of health, projects of education and sports, local road infrastructure, etc. Therefore, the commitment of the Government of Montenegro to the development of our north and thus the visit to the mentioned municipality is unquestionable, PM Krivokapić concluded.