The business environment is very complex and more than ever, a partnership between the state and the economy, education and the labor market, as well as the public and private sectors is needed, said the President of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), Nina Drakić.
At the ceremony of presenting the PKCG awards for exceptional business achievements in the previous year, which also marked 97 years of the association's existence and successful work in Vila Gorica, she said that stability, predictability and responsibility of all stakeholders are needed.
"Above and foremost, we need awareness of the importance of the role of the economy," Drakić believes.
According to her, the success of the Montenegrin economy depends on its ability to connect, learn and transform, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro is the initiator of these processes, which listens to the needs of businesspeople, supports them and encourages them to excel.
Drakić said that the award winners are proof that success is built through perseverance, knowledge and constant investment - not only in a product or service, but also in people, the community and the future.
She stated that the Chamber of Commerce is more than an institution - it represents a pillar of the domestic economy that has supported various historical, political and economic contexts for almost a century of its existence - from the establishment of the first craft and trade associations, through transition processes, to the contemporary challenges and opportunities brought by digital transformation and the green economy.
"The Chamber is a symbol of the gathering and unity of the Montenegrin economy in all its diversity - from traditional industries to the most technologically advanced sectors. We represent the interests of our members before decision-makers, actively participate in the creation of regulations and public policies, in order to create a business environment that is conducive to work. Our goal is clear: for Montenegro to be a country in which investments are made, in which new jobs are created, in which knowledge and innovation are valued and encouraged, and in which young people see their future," said Drakić.
According to her, successful business results deserve special respect.
"In order to contribute to building a predictable and stable business environment, the Chamber of Commerce will continue to be a responsible and reliable partner to the institutions of the system, just as it has been for the previous 97 years," said Drakić.
She stated that they believe in dialogue, in arguments and in a common interest, which is a strong and resilient Montenegrin economy. Only through a unified and strong voice can we contribute to shaping an environment in which ideas are developed, entrepreneurs are encouraged and values are created.
The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, emphasized that this significant event represents an opportunity to recognize businessmen who, through their work, innovation and dedication, contribute to the strengthening of our economy and represent a pillar of the development of Montenegrin society.
"In absolute terms, the Montenegrin economy will reach the level of eight billion euros this year. Here I want to point out the fact that we should understand economic growth as economic growth. This is the growth that you – businessmen – create, who invest knowledge, effort and capital in the development of this country every day," said Milatović.
He particularly emphasized that there is no long-term and sustainable development without domestic investors.
"You cannot find an example of a developed country in the world that has achieved economic growth relying solely on foreign investment. The strength of domestic businessmen lies in their enduring attachment to this country, to its future and people. Therefore, their role must be better recognized and supported," Milatović said.
Milatović believes that the picture of the Montenegrin economy is challenging.
"However, I believe that Montenegro has the people, knowledge and resources to respond to all the tasks ahead of us. Cooperation between the state and the economy, dialogue, mutual understanding and partnership – that is the way forward," said Milatović.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce Award Committee, Mijat Jocović, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, explained the decision to select the laureates.
He, among other things, said that CKB's recognition is the result of its commitment to clients, the community and the development of the Montenegrin economy, and pointed out that last year the bank supported over 17 thousand citizens with 20 thousand loans worth a total of 269 million euros, and that more than 175 million were placed in the Montenegrin economy.
Laureate Logate, a leader in the IT industry recognized for its innovative solutions and strategic approach to digital transformation, stands out for developing specialized products that enable telecommunications operators, banks, and enterprises to improve business processes and adapt to modern market demands.
Jocović said that Ening from Nikšić deserved the award thanks to the achievements that ensured its growth, stability and recognition on the international market. It is a leading manufacturer and distributor of energy-efficient products and systems, and through its own brand ENPRO it markets top-notch solutions for professional ventilation on markets across Europe.
Laureate MM Ribarstvo transforms the wealth of Lake Skadar into authentic and high-quality products that worthily represent Montenegro in the field of processing and preserving wild freshwater fish with its own production infrastructure.
The One Montenegro company, with its dedication and consistent engagement in improving the community through education, sports, culture and environmental protection, has earned the award for social responsibility. Over the past year, they have implemented numerous projects that have demonstrated strong social impact, empowered the community, ensured equality and encouraged young talents.
The Daido Metal company received the award for innovation, in recognition of continuous technological development, process and product improvement, and a significant contribution to positioning Montenegro on the global map of the automotive industry. Products from Kotor are an integral part of the engines of the world's most famous automotive brands.
The award in the Women in Business category went to the company Miranis, led by director Rajka Vujović, which, through dedication, innovation and business operations in accordance with the highest standards of the food industry, has created one of the most recognizable Montenegrin brands.
The awards were received by CKB Board of Directors member Dino Redžepagić, Logata Executive Director Ivica Tatar, One Crna Gora Executive Director Branko Mitrović, Ening Finance, Accounting and Administration Manager Marija Kovačević, Daido Metal Zushi Koji Executive Director and Deputy Director Filip Moštrokol, MM Ribarstvo Executive Director Jovan Martinović and Miranis Executive Director Rajka Vujović.
On behalf of the awardees, Redžepagić thanked the Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing that we should be proud of our business achievements and results, and that he sincerely believes that it is success that attracts new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities for growth.
He points out that the laureates' business stories are essentially similar.
"We are not just talking about a successful past year, but about decades of work, investments and challenges that preceded it. I believe that each of us can thank our clients for the opportunity and trust, our employees, past and present - who are part of the results or important business experience, our competition that always keeps us awake, motivated and ultimately better, and in the end, or rather at every beginning - the owners who stand behind these businesses, whether as families, founders with a vision that dreams can be followed in Montenegro, or corporations/investors who continuously believe in this often challenging market of ours and institutions that are still developing," said Redžepagić.
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