Drakić: Green and digital transition are a necessity, as confirmed by the health and economic crisis

Green and digital transition are a necessity, as confirmed by the health and economic crisis, said the president of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), Nina Drakić, and added that it is an opportunity to take advantage of the competitive advantages provided by the application of new technologies.

At the Western Balkans ESG Summit, which was held from Wednesday to Friday in Porto Montenegro, Drakić said that achieving the net zero goal will require designing every aspect of life on the planet - from the way energy is produced and consumed to the food we eat.

"This represents an opportunity to take advantage of the competitive advantages provided by the application of new technologies and supporting the transformation from the usual way of doing business to one that leads to sustainable development," said Drakić at the Green Innovation panel - the development of technologies and business models needed for the future.

She added that the circular economy concept turns challenges into opportunities by integrating more innovative business models. Those opportunities, as she stated, are numerous and depend on the sector.

Speaking about the possibilities for encouraging green and circular transformation, especially financial ones, Drakić reminded that there are various EU funds available to Montenegro through various programs. However, for now, the largest number of them relate to the transfer of knowledge, spreading awareness and strengthening capacities, which is certainly good, but not enough for the economy.

"Nevertheless, on the other hand, a number of domestic institutions, including companies that are majority owned by the state, offer or announce specific incentives and opportunities," said Drakić.

Referring to the situation in the business community, she stated that many members of the Chamber are working diligently on their own orientation towards a green future and green business.

According to her, PKCG advocates that the awareness of the necessity of the green transition becomes a direction of thinking and development among all MSMEs in Montenegro. This process is not simple, since the structure of the economy consists of micro and small companies, which do not have enough human resources to deal with the mentioned issues.

"Therefore, it is our intention to provide them with all the necessary information and advisory support at the Chamber," said Drakić.

She announced the launch of the HUB circular economy, pointing out that numerous members of the Chamber recognized the opportunities in the circular approach, which is why that institution decided to do so.

The HUB will be an open information platform for the dissemination of data, lessons learned, best practices and collected key indicators through intersectoral cooperation and interdepartmental dialogue, at the same time providing an opportunity to connect all interested parties, as well as connecting with centers from other countries to enable the exchange of good practices and knowledge.