Infrastructure is a tool for connecting communities and a more balanced development of Montenegro, said Miroslav Mašić, Acting Director General of the Directorate for State Roads at the Ministry of Transport.
As announced by the Ministry of Transport, he spoke at the RE:D conference (Real Estate Development), which is being held today and tomorrow in Podgorica.
Mašić said at the first panel that priorities for road infrastructure development are determined based on a combination of technical, social and economic factors.
"In the planning process, we rely on strategic documents, safety analyses, road capacities, economic viability and impact on regional development, as well as inputs from local governments," said Mašić.
He added that there is institutional space for harmonization with private sector investment plans through spatial and urban planning documents that define development directions.
Speaking about regional development, Mašić emphasized the role of infrastructure for the balanced development of regions in Montenegro.
"For us, infrastructure is not just a road, but a tool for connecting communities and more balanced development. Priorities are not determined only by the size of a place, but by the degree of accessibility and economic potential," said Mašić.
He, as announced, emphasized the importance of projects in the north of Montenegro, such as the construction of the Mateševo-Andrijevica highway section, the reconstruction of the Berane-Bijelo Polje, Berane-Rožaje roads, and the connection to border crossings.
These projects, as Mašić said, not only improve mobility, but also open up space for tourism, agriculture and local business.
"Infrastructure development must be balanced. Capital projects are important, but they must have a local impact. The local community is the foundation of sustainable socio-economic progress," said Mašić.
He stated that the Program for the Construction, Reconstruction and Maintenance of State Roads for this year envisages around 70 projects with a total value of over 72 million euros, including 323 kilometers of regional and main roads.
"The ministry is implementing measures to strengthen dialogue with the economy - institutionalizing cooperation through working bodies, transparency in planning, and joint access to international funds," said Mašić.
As he said, when entrepreneurs know where they will build, it is easier for them to plan investments.
According to Mašić, public-private partnerships are a model that enables sustainable development.
"Infrastructure must serve people, ideas and the economy - not to be an end in itself, but a tool that opens opportunities for development in every part of Montenegro," said Mašić.
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