The average annual import in Montenegro is about 424 million euros and there have been no significant fluctuations in recent years, while exports are constantly increasing, it was announced at the session of the Board of the Association of Agriculture, Food and Tobacco Industry of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG).
In the Analysis of foreign trade exchange of agricultural and food products from 2008 to last year and from January to August, which the Committee considered, it is stated that the export increased by 2008 percent compared to 37 and last year it amounted to 56,2 million euros.
Secretary of the Board, Lidija Rmuš, said that the most important trading partners are the member countries of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and the EU, with which almost 90 percent of trade is conducted.
"In eight months, the trade of agricultural and food products has a positive sign in relation to the total foreign trade turnover. The share of these products in the total export increased from 14,3 percent to 28,6 percent, exports grew by 60 percent, and the coverage of imports by exports increased from 11,9 to 18,1 percent," said Rmuš.
The export of meat and meat products, wine, beer, some types of fruits and vegetables, flour, fish, cocoa products, fruit juices has increased. Imports increased by 4,9 percent. Pork meat was imported the most, which resulted in an increase in the export of meat, dried meat products and meat products.
"The general assessment resulting from the analysis of the trade exchange for the previous six-year period is that the export of food shows a growth trend, while there are no significant fluctuations in the import. When it comes to agriculture, Montenegro is a net importer and has a food deficit of around 380 million euros," said Rmus.
On average, as she added, about a third of imported food refers to products that are not produced in Montenegro, because there are no comparative advantages or because of the lack of processing capacity. Part of the import is also related to meeting the needs of tourist demand, which is confirmed by the data showing that it is the highest in the summer months.
Exports are predominantly oriented towards meat, cured meat products and meat products, wine, beer, fruit, vegetables and flour.
"The basic prerequisite for export growth, i.e. import substitution, is an increase in the production and competitiveness of domestic products, both in terms of prices and quality. Because, on the market, you have to deal with strong brands that have been present for many years. It is also very important to build the missing capacities for processing, i.e. modernization and increase of existing ones, for which favorable financial resources, i.e. foreign investments, are needed", specified Rmuš.
The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kristina Lapčević, said that the import of smoked and dried meat has dropped drastically, which, according to her, is an indicator that the Montenegrin market recognizes the quality of domestic products.
"He is happy about the increase in wine exports to the EU this year, but it is still far below the quotas we negotiated," said Lapčević.
The President of the Board, Milutin Đuranović from Mljekara Lazina, asked to examine the possibilities of applying the Macedonian model of protection of domestic products.
In that country, according to his words, during four years, importers were obliged to buy a certain amount of flour from domestic producers for each ton of imported flour. This, he believes, would preserve primary production.
The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Gorica Bojić, explained that the measures of the Macedonian Government caused a dispute with large exporters of flour, that they were treated as a non-tariff barrier and that they were eventually abolished. According to her, such measures are justified only in case of major disruptions on the market, which there are none in Montenegro.
"I, too, am in favor of encouraging domestic production, but with respect for the commitments made towards the EU," said Bojić.
Vice President of PKCG, Ljiljana Filipović, said that it is necessary to improve the market performance of Montenegrin agricultural and food producers, and one of the ways is to connect them with hoteliers.
"Don't see each other as competitors, but design a joint performance so that your individual successes are greater," said Filipović.
Director of the Directorate for Agriculture, Danijela Stolica, assessed that only a high-quality product can be competitive with European ones.
"It is necessary to work on improving the assortment and focus on a certain number of products, such as traditional, organic, such as mountain milk and cheese," said Stolica.
She stated that producers need to know which production is supported by subsidies in the EU and which products will be able to be placed without problems not only on the domestic but also on the European market, for which she cited the example of medicinal plants.
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