The majority owner of the company "Voli" said that inflation, labor shortages, and declining productivity are three key problems facing the Montenegrin economy.
At the regional conference Consumer Rules Summit 2025, held in Tivat, he specifically warned about the imbalance between the private and public sectors.
"In Montenegro today, 120 people work in the private sector, and 80 in the state sector. The economy is in a serious 'sandwich': uncontrolled employment in public administration, daily departures of the workforce abroad, and limited margins that we must not raise because we are losing competitiveness. This is, in my 30 years of business, the biggest challenge," said Bokan.
He added that Voli offers the highest salaries in retail, provides private health insurance and has the best relationship with employees in Montenegro.
"And all of that is small, because due to the lack of labor, productivity is falling. In agriculture, we are the largest producer, but that production depends on the workers who come to us from Albania every morning. Without them, production would come to a halt," said Bokan.
When it comes to pressures in the retail sector, he believes that retailers can no longer uncritically accept suppliers' demands.
"We cannot increase prices every day and watch people leave the market. We will go through supplier by supplier, trend by trend, price by price. I expect a turbulent year ahead, and certainly 2027 as well. There were many panels and conferences, and no one commented that there would be such difficult moments," Bokan said.
When it comes to salary growth, he said that an increase of 100 euros is not a problem, but that for larger amounts - without balance, price growth and new inflation will inevitably follow.
"I'm not saying we're going bankrupt, but today we're talking about a serious problem. We'll solve it, but some will suffer more and some less damage. The leader loves it and we can adapt. And what will happen to the smaller ones," Bokan asked.
He announced that the new recapitalization of Voli with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) should be completed by the end of the year, which will enable the construction of a third logistics center of 20 square meters.
Bokan also announced that Voli is currently implementing investments worth 75 million euros and is building five capital facilities.
"Among these facilities are a large complex in Podgorica of 25 thousand square meters, a new retail center in Igalo, as well as facilities in Nikšić and Kolašin of eight thousand square meters and four thousand square meters. In addition, the company invests an additional five to six million euros each year in the renovation of existing stores, as consumers are increasingly demanding," said Bokan at a panel titled Tough Conversations - Mission Report: Insights from the Top.
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