The goals of the Draft Law on Strategic Investments are positive and are reflected in the provision of reform, as well as better application of legislation in that area, announced Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and added that they are building a better investment framework in the country.
"With a strategic approach, we want to send a message about the Government's efforts to make Montenegro an interesting investment option for strategic project ideas, as well as to build a better investment framework in Montenegro with this new legal institute", according to Spajić's written answer to the parliamentary question, after the session devoted to the Prime Minister's Hour was interrupted.
Member of Parliament from the special group of deputies, Jevrosima Pejović, asked Spajić how he will prevent the devastation of Montenegro made possible by the law on strategic development investments and whether he is familiar with the effects of similar laws in Albania and North Macedonia.
Spajić said that they greatly appreciate their neighbors and what they do to improve the quality of life of citizens, but they are modeled after countries that have a better standard than ours, so they followed first and foremost how Greece and Croatia solved this area.
"In this sense, I emphasize that the act that is currently in the stage of public discussion represents the best practice of the EU member states, based on different foundations compared to the countries of the region that you mention, which conceptually have completely different legal models for this type of investment," he said. is Spajić.
He stated that their goal is to build Montenegro according to the citizens, not to devastate it in any way.
"That's why I invite you to get involved in the public debate with all your well-intentioned suggestions, and not just through your advisors," Spajić said.
He explained that the Government has a clear motive to ensure the conditions for a better and better quality of life for citizens, with a full focus on economic growth.
"We can look at life through rose-colored glasses, pretend that we are perfect and tell citizens that everyone can't wait to come and invest in Montenegro, but the reality is completely different," Spajić said.
Montenegro, as he assessed, is not yet fully ready to welcome and attract credible investors, who will create new and well-paid jobs and thereby increase economic activity in the country.
"We have to provide them with the right business environment, and the successes achieved in the previous period are the best recommendation", Spajić added.
He said that the first prerequisite for the arrival of investors is the rule of law, as well as that they managed to reach a certain level in that area, which was confirmed by the European Commission and EU member states.
"We still have a lot of work ahead of us in order to reach the desired level, eradicate corruption and convince investors, which is the key," Spajić announced.
In addition, investors expect an efficient administration, which will respond to their letters, requests and inquiries in a timely manner, i.e. that investments are not "on hold" due to sluggish administration.
"Efficiency, and not at all speed, to enable someone to devastate Montenegro, as implied in the question," Spajić stated.
All this is particularly important in terms of the number of procedures, costs and time from the procedure of proposing the investment project itself to the stage of successful realization. It is extremely important to reduce the time and speed up the procedures in administrative procedures before state authorities, necessary for the realization of a strategic investment. The above aims to create a new approach to strategic investors in Montenegro and their ideas.
"In addition, I note that the draft law does not create an exemption from the application of other procedural laws, it is also fully based on the practice of EU member states. Compliance with regulations related to public procurement, state property, construction of facilities and landscaping, as well as environmental protection , and in that sense of all international standards in these areas, was imperative in the drafting of this act," specified Spajić.
Also, this regulation emphasizes the protection of competition, transparency, as well as equal treatment of business entities, who expect significantly faster decision-making in possible disputes.
"Investors also expect a predictable and stimulating tax system. The economic programs Europe Now 1 and Europe Now 2 are the foundations of creating a competitive tax environment, and through additional tax reforms we strive to create a predictable system," said Spajić.
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