Montenegro has enormous potential and offers numerous benefits when it comes to investments, said the President of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), Nina Drakić, adding that ties with Normandy, which symbolize the industrial superiority of France, are numerous and strong.
"Over the past years, we have witnessed a growing interest of French companies in the Montenegrin market. Our trade reached a value of over 110 million euros last year, with significant imports of vehicles, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and industrial equipment. On the other hand, although Montenegrin exports to France are still symbolic, they are showing a growth trend," said Drakić at a business forum in Caen, France, organized as part of the Days of Montenegro in Normandy.
She added that the business forum represents another important step in intensive cooperation with numerous French institutions, including the Embassy of France in Montenegro, MEDEF International, the Normandy Regional Economic Development Agency, the Normandy Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Franco-Montenegrin Businesses.
"The French love Montenegro, and France is one of the European countries whose citizens visit our country in the largest number. Almost 100 thousand French tourists visit Montenegro every year and, most importantly, they get the most beautiful impressions and return again. However, what requires our mutual attention are direct investments from France, considering the enormous potential and benefits that Montenegro offers," said Drakić.
She believes that the visit to France is a confirmation of the commitment to strengthening economic ties with Normandy, a region that is, on the one hand, a symbol of resistance, renewal and European values, which Montenegro also shares, and for which it is still fighting on its European path today.
"On the other hand, Normandy is the energy center of France with avant-garde agrotechnology in food production and a strong pharmaceutical industry and shipbuilding, while Caen, as the heart of the region, is a regional university center with over 30 thousand students. It is in these areas that Montenegro sees room for building strategic partnerships. Also, the French initiative La French Tech, as well as Normandy's strong focus on the circular economy, digital transformation and the fight against climate change, coincide with Montenegro's development goals," said Drakić.
The Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić, called on companies from Normandy and beyond to recognize Montenegro as a promising destination for investment, especially in the tourism and related services sector.
"Montenegro is a small country with big ambitions and a clear European perspective. Membership in the European Union is our priority, and as the first member state, we are ready to open the door to the exchange of knowledge, experiences and investments. We want this Forum to take place in a friendly and constructive spirit, but also with a clear goal - to reach concrete agreements, forge partnerships and open the door to a common, prosperous future," said Kordić.
The investment potential of Montenegro was presented by Nenad Radović from the Government Investment Agency, who expressed special gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce for its successful mission of internationalizing the economy and supporting institutions across the economic spectrum.
After the presentations, B2B meetings were held where businessmen from the two countries exchanged contacts, knowledge and experiences.
The Days of Montenegro in Normandy were organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro, in cooperation and partnership with the Embassy of Montenegro in France and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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