The expert assistance of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is of exceptional value in ensuring a transparent process regarding the granting of concessions for Montenegrin airports, announced the Minister of Finance, Novica Vuković.
As part of the visit to Washington, teams from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG), led by Vuković and Governor Irena Radović, held a meeting with IFC representatives, led by Regional Vice President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Alfonso Garcia Mora.
IFC is a member of the World Bank Group (WB) and the largest global development institution focused on the private sector, with the goal of supporting emerging markets through sustainable and inclusive growth.
"During the meeting, key strategic initiatives that the Government is implementing with the support of international partners were discussed," the Ministry said in a statement.
Vuković said that by working together, the Ministry of Finance and IFC are contributing to improving the regulatory framework and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.
"Through the partnership with IFC, the Ministry of Finance is strengthening institutional capacities and opening up space for attracting quality investments," said Vuković.
Special attention was paid to future projects that Montenegro is planning in the areas of tourism and infrastructure, with the aim of more balanced economic development and diversification of the economy.
Garcia Moro said that the cooperation achieved so far with Montenegro represents a successful example of partnership, expressing openness to further deepening cooperation, including new sectors of common interest.
The meeting discussed future cooperation between Montenegro and IFC within the framework of the new WB Partnership Framework for Montenegro 2025–2029, with a particular focus on sustainable financing, digital financial services, and strengthening economic resilience.
Radović expressed her satisfaction with IFC's willingness to support Montenegro in the development of projects in the field of sustainable and climate finance, as well as the digital transformation of the financial sector, emphasizing that the Central Bank of Montenegro will contribute to the further strengthening of the country's financial system through joint initiatives.
"CBCG is committed to integrating sustainability principles into financial practices and creating a resilient, inclusive and green financial environment in Montenegro," Radović emphasized.
On this occasion, the Central Bank of Montenegro presented its cooperation priorities, which include the implementation of the National Roadmap for Sustainable Finance in cooperation with international partners SBFN, UN SSE, UNEP FI and IFRS Foundation, the inclusion of Montenegrin banks in the Climate Finance Program implemented by IFC with the support of the European Commission, and support for the development of digital financial services through the standardization of the national QR code, and the establishment of a regulatory framework for fintech innovations.
The agreements reached mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the Bank and IFC, aimed at strengthening Montenegro's sustainable, resilient and digital financial system, in line with the goals of European integration and green growth.
As part of his working visit to Washington, Vuković and his team also met with representatives of leading world banks, discussing macroeconomics, foreign investments, and financial cooperation.
He presented economic indicators and the Government's reform priorities, emphasizing stability and openness to international markets. The meetings confirmed the growing interest of global banks in the Montenegrin market.
During the annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF, the Montenegrin delegation received strong support and praise from the highest international financial figures for its achievements to date, along with messages of encouragement for the continuation of economic and institutional reforms.
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