There is a lot of room for improving the economic cooperation between Montenegro and Azerbaijan, which is confirmed by the symbolic exchange of goods between the two countries, announced the president of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), Nina Drakić.
"When it comes to economic relations, there is a lot of room for improving cooperation. This is supported by the fact that the exchange of goods between the two countries last year amounted to a symbolic half a million euros," said Drakić at the business forum of Montenegrin and Azerbaijani businessmen, which held in Podgorica.
She said at the forum, which PKCG organized in cooperation with the Azerbaijani Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), that the fact that 84 percent more tourists from Azerbaijan visited Montenegro last year than in 2022 is a good signal that there is room for improving cooperation. . years.
"I believe that the direct Baku-Tivat airline in the period from June to October contributes to the growth of the number of tourists, and I expect that it will become permanent throughout the year, which would be an additional impetus to the improvement of economic cooperation between our countries," said Drakić.
She emphasized the importance of the implementation of the Portonovi project by the Azmont Investments group, and added that she believes that investments from Azerbaijan can also contribute to the tourism development of the north of Montenegro.
"Let the investment in Portonova be an example and an invitation to other companies from Azerbaijan to do business in Montenegro and invest in the most dynamic sector of the Montenegrin economy," said Drakić.
She believes that infrastructure projects are a good starting point for cooperation between the companies of the two countries in the construction sector. Drakić emphasized the importance of the planned modernization of the Belgrade-Bar railway and the construction of highways and expressways, which can be interesting investments for companies from Azerbaijan.
"This means that the euro invested in Montenegro today will be worth much more in the short term," explained Drakić, highlighting the investment potential of the Montenegrin energy, agricultural and IT sectors.
She said that she encourages companies from the IT sector to cooperate in this area, which has shown significant growth capacity in Montenegro.
Drakić believes that the business forum was an opportunity for the participants to be informed about the business environment in the two countries, investment opportunities and contribute to establishing business contacts and partnerships, as well as confirming excellent interstate relations. She presented the indicators of the Montenegrin economy, which is characterized by dynamic development, with the highest growth rate in the previous year and positive results in the sectors of industry, forestry, tourism, trade, number of employees and wages.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Nik Đeljošaj, said that the forum is an important link between economic sectors and that it gives an additional impetus to the development of the economic potential of the two countries.
He highlighted the long-standing friendship between Montenegro and Azerbaijan, as well as cooperation in numerous areas, which represents a solid basis for the further development of bilateral relations and the implementation of joint projects.
Đeljošaj added that Montenegro is committed to achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive economic growth that will contribute to improving competitiveness, recovering the real sector and increasing the standard of living.
"We are aware that businessmen will play a key role in achieving sustainable development. Therefore, I think it is important to send a clear message to businessmen at this gathering, which is to create business opportunities, introduce practices and standards that will enable them to participate equally in the market," he said. is Đeljošaj.
He added that Montenegro, through a competitive environment for business, with significant potential in the fields of energy, tourism, IT, agriculture and industry, is a reliable investment destination, especially recognized for its low tax rates and equal treatment of domestic and foreign investors.
The fact that Montenegro is a reliable investment partner was especially recognized by investors from Azerbaijan, who invested 418,7 million euros in Montenegro until last year, among which those in the tourist resort of Portonovi and the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline, which will contribute to the strategic connection of the two countries in areas of energy and diversification of energy sources for our country and the Balkans.
"We have a common obligation to further encourage the economic cooperation of our countries with dedicated efforts, because there are numerous opportunities for its further improvement through the implementation of concrete initiatives and projects", stated Đeljošaj.
The Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan, Sahil Babayev, said that the two countries have built solid foundations for cooperation, the potential of which is much greater than what has been achieved so far, and the valorization of which should be contributed to by the visit of the delegation of Azerbaijan, which includes representatives from all relevant agencies and businesses. sector.
"At the political level, we have the highest possible level of cooperation, without any open questions. He is pleased that the trade exchange has an excellent growth dynamic, however its figures are still small in absolute terms. I believe that our export potential is much more diverse than medicines and vodka, and that we have very high-quality agricultural, industrial and energy products," said Babajev.
He reminded that they have built a large tourist complex in Montenegro, but that there are other potentials, not only in tourism, but also in starting joint operations, considering the advantages that Montenegro has due to its geographical position.
"The main message from this forum is that we are friendly and partner countries without barriers for the development of economic cooperation, and that is why we need to join the discussion and present investment projects," said Babajev.
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