Montenegro and Italy have built bridges of friendship, cooperation and togetherness for centuries, sharing values, goals and history, and Italy is a key pillar on the path of economic growth, political stability and our country's accession to the European community of states, said the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, Nina Drakić.
The Embassy of Italy in Montenegro and the office of the Italian Foreign Trade Agency (ICE) in Podgorica, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro (PCCG), organized a roundtable "Montenegro-Italy Economic Dialogue" on April 3, the PCCG announced.
This, as they said, important event was an opportunity to connect businessmen from the two countries, exchange experiences and establish new business partnerships, as well as to present current projects and investment opportunities in key sectors.
"Although Italy as an economy is strongly oriented towards the service sector as a key segment of economic activity, other sectors for which it is world-famous are also significantly developed, including industry and mechanical engineering, fashion, energy, agriculture and gastronomy, and this is precisely the model that the Montenegrin economy should strive for, with the aim of diversifying the economic product, increasing competitiveness and resistance to global disruptions," said Drakić.
She expressed her belief that Montenegro has something to offer in the tourism, agriculture, energy and trade sectors, and that Italy recognizes this.
The Italian Ambassador to Montenegro, Andreina Marsela, recalled that the organization of this event stemmed from the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Antonio Tajani, to Montenegro in September, when, in a conversation with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, it was agreed to organize a visit to Montenegro of Italian companies interested in this market, in order to establish initial contacts and discuss modalities of future cooperation and investments.
"It is my pleasure to welcome today representatives of leading Italian associations and companies in the fields of agriculture, transport infrastructure, energy, environmental protection and tourism projects," said Marcella.
She emphasized the importance of the final session of the B2B and B2G meetings, expressing hope that it would bring concrete results to all participants.
"I wish you continued successful work and hope that this dialogue will bring new opportunities for cooperation," she said.
Antonio Ventresca, Director of the Office of the Italian Foreign Trade Agency (ICE) in Belgrade and Podgorica, emphasized that this meeting is not just a conference, but the beginning of operational cooperation between institutions and companies of the two countries.
"Dialogue means building through communication. This is not a one-time event, but an open path for long-term cooperation," said Ventreska.
He added that Italy is already implementing projects in the areas of design, culinary arts, and the agri-food sector, and that the goal of this gathering is to translate contacts into concrete business initiatives.
The Ministry of Economy and Trade of Montenegro said that the meeting was attended by, among others, the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić, Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas and Coordinator of the Ministry of Energy Admir Šahmanović, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the Ministry of Transport, the Investment Agency, as well as representatives of the National Association of Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers (FEDERUNACOMA), the Association of Architects, Engineers and Technical and Economic Advisors (OICE), the food industry, construction and finance.
Minister Damjan Ćulafić referred to large infrastructure projects, especially in the field of waste management, emphasizing that they will enable faster development of municipal infrastructure in line with European standards, and that the management of valuable raw materials will lay the foundation for the transition to a sustainable, circular economy.
Minister Admir Šahmanović highlighted the improvement of the regulatory framework for energy development in Montenegro in recent years and presented the most significant energy projects (primarily planned solar and wind power plants) that can increase production capacities in this area by up to 550 percent.
Minister Simonida Kordić emphasized Montenegro's commitment to the development of sustainable tourism, emphasizing all the benefits that Montenegro offers to investors in this industry. She said that quality investments can ensure year-round tourism, especially in the north of the country, where there is enormous untapped potential.
"Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Mirsad Spahić, the Ministry of Transport Marijana Stanić and Miroslav Mašić, highlighted the most significant infrastructure projects and pointed to the potential for cooperation with Italy in their implementation. The representative of the Investment Agency Aleksandra Božović presented the business and investment environment of Montenegro. The event ended with a presentation of Italian business associations and companies, after which B2B and B2G meetings were held, enabling direct contact between Italian and Montenegrin businessmen, as well as discussions with representatives of institutions. The following presented their projects and areas of work: Agriserbia - Ferrero Hazelnut Company; National Association of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers (FEDERUNACOMA); Finest SpA, Fondazione Agrifood & Bioeconomy FVG; Association of Organizations of Engineers, Architects and Economic and Technical Advisors (OICE); 3TI Progetti and SIMEST. The meeting was moderated by Jelena Adžić, representative of the Sector for International Cooperation of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro," the statement said.
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