Through the program of the American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro (AmCham), the Reign of Dialogue, the foundations for a more inclusive, innovative and competitive Montenegro were laid, it was announced at the traditional AmCham Gala dinner.
At the ceremony, it was announced that building a strong and transparent business environment, adapted to the highest standards of European and American companies, will remain the focus of the AmCham community.
According to the President of the Board of Directors, Sanja Ćalasan, Amcham, as the largest renowned international business community in the country, continuously strives to improve the business environment with its activities.
"The reign of dialogue is not just a phrase. It is the platform on which we work to ensure a constructive public-private dialogue, necessary to face today's challenges. "Tonight, we recognize those who stood out in this dialogue - both from the ranks of the public administration and from the private sector," said Ćalasan.
Their work and dedication, as she said, are not only an inspiration, but also a guide to how we can build a better tomorrow together.
"Also, one of the values that we especially cherish is caring for the community. Our members show exceptional solidarity year after year, and thanks to their support, we implement donor actions that change lives," said Ćalasan.
She added that we live in a time of uncertainty, but also of opportunities, and therefore AmCham's mission remains clear - advocacy for a predictable and transparent business environment, based on the rule of law and values that attract and retain the most reputable companies in Montenegro.
"The Report on the business environment for 2023-2024, which is in the final stage of preparation and which will be traditionally presented at the beginning of next year at the Open with the Prime Minister event, will help us define priorities in the coming period," Ćalasan added.
The Ambassador of the United States of America (USA), Judy Rising Reinke, announced that Montenegro took important steps towards membership in the European Union (EU) in the past year, which attracted the attention of the international business community, reduced concerns and stimulated the interest of investors.
"Montenegro restarted the conversation about EU enlargement throughout the region, and with the positive IBAR report from June, it breathed new life into the enlargement process. But it is important to emphasize that the path to membership is as transformative as the goal itself. "Closing the negotiating chapters is not just 'scratching', but the implementation of real reforms that strengthen investor confidence, increase transparency and lay the foundations for sustainable growth," said Reinke.
She said that the business community understands this, and enthusiasm grows in parallel with progress.
"We see it in our embassy as well, where we receive more and more business inquiries and interest from investors. The challenge for Montenegro now is whether it can capitalize on these opportunities. Will the government develop coordination mechanisms, competences and predictable processes so that we can see the fruits of hard-to-achieve reforms," said Reinke.
She also referred to the AmCham Business Environment Report, stating that it hits the heart of the problem.
"It is both a mirror and a road map - it reflects the reality of business in Montenegro and shows a clear path forward. We hope that policy makers in Montenegro will take this report seriously and use it to further improve the business climate," added Reinke.
In this way, he believes, we can build a stronger, more competitive economy that benefits everyone and ensures sustainable progress.
“I urge the Government to look to AmCham and its diverse and large membership for help in meeting these challenges. This cooperation not only brings immediate economic benefits, but also lays the foundations for a more inclusive, innovative and competitive Montenegro, ready to progress in a rapidly changing global environment", said Reinke.
A special part of the Gala dinner was a conversation with the president of the AmChams in Europe network (ACE) and the general director of AmCham Slovenia, Ajša Vodnik.
Vodnik, in a conversation with the executive director of AmCham, Marko Miročević, among other things, sent a message about the importance of networking and the strength of this business community.
"The American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro is one family, just like all the American Chambers of Europe. Our strength is not only in numbers, but in solid, long-term relationships," said Vodnik.
The interlocutors also referred to the role of AmCham Montenegro in the AmChams in Europe network, as well as the importance of exchanging best practices among network members.
"Montenegro is an important member of the American Chamber of Europe community. Your Reign of Dialogue program is something we would be proud to copy in other American chambers and adapt to our circumstances. It is a pleasure to see the results of that program, and the very active and partner business community that you are bringing together speaks best of it", concluded Vodnik.
At the gala evening, certificates of appreciation were also awarded for special contribution to the implementation of the Government of Dialogue program, and recognitions were given to Acting Director of the Tax Administration, Sava Laketić, Director of CInMED, Snežana Mugoša, Commercial Director of Takeda for Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia, Radmila Bajić-Sekulić and Bojana Nikčević from the Law Office "Jovović, Mugoša and Vuković".
Also, a valuable donation was presented to the Volunteers of Montenegro Foundation.
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