Montenegro and Turkey have traditionally had good relations and successful economic cooperation, but there is certainly still a lot of room for improvement, said the vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro (PKCG), Pavle Radovanović.
Today, PKCG, in cooperation with the Association of Turkish Investors in Montenegro (KTID) and the Organization for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises of Turkey KOSGEB, organized a business forum and bilateral meetings of businessmen of the two countries in a hotel in Podgorica, within the framework of the European Entrepreneurship Network.
Representatives of more than 60 companies participated in the work of the forum, mainly from the construction sector, real estate sales and trade, but also from other areas.
Radovanović pointed out that this association encourages the development of cooperation between the Montenegrin economy and companies from abroad, attracting foreign investors and strengthening the competitiveness of Montenegrin companies on foreign markets.
That is why, as announced by PKCG, for the development and improvement of economic relations with Turkey, the very high-quality cooperation of the Chamber with the Turkish Embassy in Montenegro, the Union of Chambers of Commerce TOBB and other associations of Turkish businessmen, as well as the organization of frequent meetings of representatives of companies from the two countries, are very important.
"Montenegro and Turkey have traditionally had good relations and successful economic cooperation, but there is certainly still plenty of room for its improvement," said Radovanović.
Ambassador of Turkey to Montenegro Barıs Kalkavan pointed out that the historical unity of the peoples of Montenegro and Turkey resulted in the establishment of exceptional political relations and fruitful cooperation in the field of culture, but that this was not followed to the same extent by economic relations and trade exchange.
"Montenegro, due to its strategic position and potential, especially in the field of tourism, represents for us a bridge to Western Europe, and that attracts investors," said Kalkavan.
As he stated, in the first quarter of this year, Montenegro is one of the fastest growing economies and every business that is implemented is aimed at the entire region.
"If we talk about trade, thanks to the signed agreements, you can reach 850 million people through this country. The process of accession to the European Union is also very important for Turkish businessmen, and it is necessary to take advantage of the current investment opportunities," said Kalkavan.
He pointed out that the goal is for the exchange of goods to reach 250 million this year, as well as for there to be more Turkish small and medium-sized enterprises in Montenegro, which can be contributed to by the formation of industrial zones, which is a topic for discussion with state representatives.
Meliha Aslankan and Tolga Kayasu from the Association of Turkish Investors in Montenegro (KTID). presented that association, which since 2018 contributes to the development of economic cooperation between the two countries through close partnership with Montenegrin professional associations, NGOs, and local governments.
Turkish companies were particularly pointed to the advantages of Montenegro as a member of NATO and a candidate for EU membership.
Economic adviser at the Turkish Embassy, Erdal Karaömeroğlu, pointed out that the necessary infrastructure for the development of economic cooperation has been established between the two countries, through the signing of an agreement on free trade, visa-free regime and social security.
He believes that the opportunities provided by the recent revision of the trade agreement should be used in particular and the trade of food products should be increased.
The economic potential of the two countries was presented by Aleksandra Božović from the Investment Agency of Montenegro and Kadir Dağdeviren, EEN adviser, KOSGEB.
The forum ended with bilateral talks between representatives of the companies of the two countries on the possibilities of establishing cooperation on the implementation of specific jobs.
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