The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Duško Marković, believes that Montenegro will successfully respond to the challenge of the economic crisis caused by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, just as it effectively responded to this great health threat, announced the Government of Montenegro.
Last night, Marković, guest on the show "Answer the people" on the Federal Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that a serious package for the tourism industry is being prepared.
"The publication of the figure of five million euros in support of the tourism economy was misunderstood. It is only an intervention for the salaries of tourism employees for two months, which will be borne by the state up to the level of the minimum wage and 100 percent of paid taxes and contributions. We are just preparing a serious package for the tourism economy with banks and the Investment and Development Fund, which will aim to maintain investment in tourism, and at the same time ensure the liquidity of the tourism industry so that it is ready for the start of the season," Marković pointed out.
He added that tourism depends on how other countries will behave and whether they will open their borders.
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Marković said that Montenegro has already opened its border at sea for nautical tourism and that he believes that in the coming period our marinas will be full of yachts that will come from different areas.
"We understand that within the EU, especially Croatia, there is a campaign for open borders between Croatia, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. If that happens, Montenegro will take advantage of that opportunity. Especially since we are a really safe country in terms of the epidemic," said Marković, stating that we are already entering the finish line of stopping the epidemic.
He said that from the very beginning of the implementation of the measures, we allowed citizens the greatest possible degree of movement and freedom: "We had the smallest restrictions on the movement of citizens, at the same time we allowed numerous economic activities in construction and the implementation of capital projects that are financed primarily in the field of infrastructure and tourism ".
He also said that Montenegro has adopted measures to improve the social and economic position of citizens.
He said that the value of deferred obligations of citizens and the economy for three months according to the banks is 1,3 billion euros, and according to the state about 100 million euros, which is only part of the measures from the first package of emergency measures. The value of the second package of economic measures is 75 million euros.
He specified that the key relaxation measures will begin on May 4, when all entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises will start working in full.
"The next phase of economic acceleration and the beginning of new activities is May 18, when we will open hotels, restaurants, cafes, and clubs, and we believe that in this way we are starting to bring the whole country back to life, to put our creative, economic, civic and personal potential in the function of quick and urgent recovery," said Marković.
Answering the journalist's questions about European Union (EU) aid, the Prime Minister said that Montenegro has already received a grant of 53 million euros, as well as that a new credit package of 60 million euros was defined in the conversation with our country.
"This is the amount that we have agreed with the EU and which will help us better deal with the consequences. I want to say that the EU has shown solidarity, when it comes to Montenegro and other countries in the region. The EU did not close itself within its own framework rather, it included other countries in this aid package. We appreciate it very much and it will be of great importance for the recovery of economic and social conditions in Montenegro," said Marković.
He said, in the show where the guests were prime ministers, vice presidents and government ministers from the region, that it is necessary for the countries of the region to work together, both in the fight against the coronavirus and in economic recovery.
He emphasized that solidarity is key.
"Montenegro presides over the Central European Initiative (CEI) and in talks with the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr. Conte, and some of my other colleagues, we launched an initiative for a joint meeting that should be held on May 15, when we will talk about all these aspects of how to let's resist better and preserve the health of our population, but also, of course, respond to economic challenges together. I believe that the conference will give a good answer. We also work in cooperation with the World Health Organization, and I believe that the EU - Western Balkans Summit in Zagreb will also be a new opportunity to let's find the best solutions for everything, including the countries of the ZB," said Prime Minister Marković.
As announced by the Government, he also spoke about "the successful fight of Montenegro and its institutions against the coronavirus, noting that everyone was committed to responding to this great danger".
"He particularly emphasized the responsible attitude of the citizens of Montenegro who followed the recommendations of the health authorities and the Government," the Government announcement concludes.
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