Political stability, new investments and development projects are key factors in the economic development of Montenegro and this must be the common goal of all constituents of the government, Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas Admir Šahmanović and American Ambassador Judy Rajing Rajnke said.
At the meeting with Šahmanović, Rajnke said that the United States of America (USA) strongly supports Montenegro, its multicultural character and democratic development, and that it will continue to do so in the future.
"Research and exploitation of mineral raw materials, oil and gas is generally an area where there is plenty of room for strengthening cooperation between the two partner countries," said Rajnke.
Šahmanović said that there is serious work ahead, the issue of energy transition, fulfillment of EU obligations and benchmarks that are a condition for closing the chapter.
"It is clear that we need the diversification of energy sources, but also the creation of a favorable business environment," said Šahmanović.
Rajnke pointed out that the USA is ready to support these processes.
"The significant experience, expertise and new technologies that American companies have been developing for decades can be very useful to the mining, oil and gas sector, and we will continue and make the dialogue on further cooperation more concrete," Rajnke said.
Šahmanović said that their ambition is to develop these areas in an economically sustainable manner while respecting the highest standards in terms of environmental protection.
"Because the potentials are indisputable, especially when we talk about mineral raw materials," Šahmanović pointed out and added that the lack of a state strategy for the development of these areas is a limiting factor.
He said that because of this, the focus of the work of the department headed by him will be the development of the Strategy on Mineral Resources and the amendment of two laws, on mining and geological research.
"Montenegro needs serious investors for new capital projects, but a clear plan of what we want is necessary, as well as clear rules and business frameworks," Šahmanović pointed out, adding that through an open dialogue with local communities, representatives of civil society must find the best solutions, how to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Rajnke and Šahmanović emphasized that the continuation of the economic dialogue is very important for future cooperation, stating that the significant experience that the USA has in these areas can be very useful for Montenegro.
"The LNG terminal, the construction of a gas pipeline, the development of an idea for a cement factory are some of the projects that will be the focus of the department's attention. These are complex projects that can change the economic portfolio of Montenegro", Šahmanović concluded.
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