Drakić: We are consistently working to prepare companies for the conditions of the single European market

The Chamber of Commerce (PKCG) strongly supports Montenegro's membership in the European Union (EU) and consistently works to prepare our companies for the conditions of the single European market, said the President of PKCG, Nina Drakić.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro announced that, a day after the European Commission (EC) adopted the Enlargement Package for this year, representatives of chambers of commerce and companies from candidate countries participating in the seventh edition of the European Parliament of Enterprises discussed the main findings of the country-by-country report with Mathieu Bousquet, Director for Coordination, Strategy and Investments at the EC Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST).

It is stated that the meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on the key challenges facing the business community in the EU accession process, the opportunities this process brings, and the strengthening of relations between the EU and candidate countries.

"PKCG, as the oldest national business association, strongly supports Montenegro's membership in the EU and consistently works to prepare our companies for the conditions of the single European market," said Drakić.

She emphasized that they know that the EU accession process is not only a political but also an economic process, which requires the active participation of the private sector, because without a competitive economy there can be no successful integration, and without well-prepared companies there can be no success of the national economy.

"Our place in the European integration process is reflected in the work of working groups for conducting negotiations for Montenegro's accession to the EU. In this work, we contribute to the harmonization of domestic regulations with the European acquis, while at the same time taking into account the preservation of a favorable business environment and strengthening the competitiveness of the Montenegrin economy," said Drakić.

She said that in addition to positive aspects and trends, there are also real challenges facing the economy in Montenegro, such as decarbonization and digital transition due to limited financial and human resources, lack of qualified labor, lack of investment, and the informal economy.

"All of these phenomena significantly reduce the ability of our economy to achieve higher rates of economic growth," Drakić pointed out.

As she said, the standstill and lull opens up the possibility that in the coming period, which they see as the final phase of the European integration process, with the help of European partners, funds, regional and broader initiatives, but also through the European government itself - rapid progress can be achieved through encouraging and implementing investments primarily in the areas of infrastructure, interconnections, energy and agriculture.

Drakić stated that chambers of commerce represent a key bridge between the state and the economy.

She stated that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro has been organizing thematic dialogues with the Government, local governments and international partners for years, providing a platform for exchanging information and defining joint solutions.

"Such meetings ensure that policies are based on real data and economic experiences, read through the prism of European practices - which is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of internal reforms, and the creation of capabilities for foreign economic policy," said Drakić.

As she said, in this process, chambers of commerce have a dual role - to be promoters of European values ​​and standards among businesses, but also partners of the EC in implementing policies that bring concrete benefits to the economy and citizens.

Drakić said that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro remains a dedicated and reliable partner to European institutions and the business community in creating a common, competitive and sustainable European economy.

During her stay in Brussels, she participated in the annual assembly of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce - Eurochambres, at which Vladimir Dlouhy was re-elected as president.