The international conference on the economy “Montenegro 2024”, organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, began on October 22 at the Splendid Hotel in Budva.
The theme of one of the most important economic events in the region, which for the 13th year has brought together decision-makers, renowned businessmen, economic experts, representatives of civil society, is the “Decade of the Berlin Process”, and the co-organizer is the Eastern Board of German Economy, which represents the main link between the business community of that country and its partners. in Southeast Europe.
The conference was opened by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, and the opening remarks were given by PKCG President Nina Drakić, Deputy Chairman of the Eastern Committee of German Economy Philipp Haußmann, President of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce (Eurochambres) Vladimir Dlouhy and State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economy and Climate Action Sven Giegold.
President Nina Drakić emphasized the importance of the Berlin process for the economic, infrastructural and political connection of the countries of the Western Balkans with the European Union.
– The Berlin process represents a platform that allows us to work synergistically to create a more stable, connected and prosperous Western Balkans. Through joint efforts, we can ensure that our citizens have a better future, that our economies are more resistant to global challenges and that the region is closer to the European Union – said Drakić.
She emphasizes the key role of the Berlin Process in strengthening regional cooperation, creating a more favorable business environment, improving infrastructure and increasing labor mobility. The Berlin process stands out as a bridge between the Western Balkans and the European Union, which makes EU membership again a realistic goal for the countries of the region. She also emphasized the importance of the common regional market launched in 2020 as part of this process, and its contribution to young people through mobility and employment programs.
– Only thanks to the free movement of labor within the region, the GDP (of the region) could increase by 1.3% as early as 2025. 2022. Projections indicate that a favorable and competitive environment would contribute to an annual increase in growth of 2%, and that it could attract up to 6.5% more investment and increase the rate of job growth by up to 1% per year, while increasing the productivity of small and medium-sized enterprises by 5% to 10 % – said Drakić.
He concludes that not a single country in the Western Balkans has any reservations regarding the Berlin Process.
– In my opinion, this is the only thing that can ensure the success of this initiative until the last member of the Western Balkans is brought to the goal – she said.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasized the Government’s absolute commitment to creating preconditions for strengthening the competitiveness of the Montenegrin economy, through the reduction of business barriers and the improvement of the business environment so that our economy is ready to use all the benefits of both the regional and the Single EU market.
That is why the economic reforms we are implementing are aimed at creating: predictable, transparent and stimulating tax policies that will not be an obstacle but rather a support for the economy for development, investment and encouraging employment. The rule of law, meeting the requirements of the European agenda and the development of infrastructure are areas that require special progress in order for Montenegro to use its economic potential in the coming years and for Montenegro to be an attractive place for doing business and investing. Economically strengthened, Montenegro will be a country you come to and not a country you leave. That is why we are doing everything to rapidly improve the standard of our citizens, while taking care that all reforms give impetus to economic growth, are stimulating for the economy and sustainable when it comes to public finances – said the Prime Minister.
According to him, the Berlin process will be successful when the narrative about its future is replaced by the narrative about our actions within the European Union.
– In other words, when all of us gathered here, entrepreneurs and businessmen, talk about the challenges and trends within the Single Market, of which we will become a full part in the meantime – said Spajić, expressing the hope that the PKCG Conference will be one step closer to that goal.
Philipp Haußmann, executive director of the company Ernst Klett AD and deputy chairman of the Eastern Committee of German Economy pointed out the importance of the Berlin Process for the countries of the Western Balkans.
– Our association supports this process from the very beginning. It is necessary to continue a constructive dialogue with all social, economic and political actors of the region. We are deeply convinced that regional cooperation has a key role for the economic prosperity of the Western Balkans. The rule of law is crucial for businesses in the region, as are transparent administrative processes. Implementation is important – laws are of no use if they are not implemented properly. Also, it is important to stay on the path of EU integration and European cooperation – said Haußmann.
He noted that at all levels, the lack of qualified labor remains a major problem.
– In order to prevent the outflow of personnel, we must have good educational and health systems and good environmental conditions so that citizens stay in the country – added Haußmann.
Vladimir Dlouhy, on behalf of Eurochambres, expressed special satisfaction that this conference is being held during the celebration of the decade of the Berlin Process.
– The Berlin process represents the most important institutional framework that brings together the countries of the Western Balkans and opens the door to your accession to the EU, and I am glad that your Chamber strongly supports those processes – he pointed out.
According to him, the economic growth of Montenegro in the past 20 years has been exceptional, however, he believes, a lot still needs to be done, but he points out that Eurochambers is here to provide strong support.
– We have always appreciated the new leadership, which sees the enlargement of the EU as one of the most important goals. The Commissioner for Enlargement coming from Slovenia will be another additional way to open the doors of the EU for this Region. But, before that, it is necessary to fulfill numerous conditions, such as the rule of law, fight against corruption, competitiveness – he said.
He emphasized that it is of great importance to take advantage of all the opportunities that come from the EU’s support for digitization and the Green Plan, and that qualifications and skills are of key importance today, especially in light of the lack of qualified labor in the EU.
– The countries of the Western Balkans should give an additional impetus to our activities. Eurochambers is at the forefront of the EU enlargement process and we can help you along the way, but we also ask you to support us before Brussels in the fight against excessive regulation. I sincerely hope that sooner or later you will become a strong member of the European Union – concluded Doulhy.
Sven Giegold, on behalf of the German Federal Government, said that the Conference provides a platform for discussion on a number of key issues important for the future of the Western Balkans and will undoubtedly contribute to the progress of the region in the European process.
– The topics covered by the conference, such as workforce, development, green and digital transformation, perspectives of the Western Balkans are key to shaping the future of the region and the EU and will help position them as a more competitive “player” in the global economy – said Giegold.
According to him, investments – especially in renewable energy, digitization and education are key factors in strengthening the economy and increasing competitiveness.
– The transition to a green, climate-neutral economy is not only a challenge but also a great opportunity for the region to promote innovation and sustainable growth. Progress in these areas is also a necessary prerequisite for the future of the region in the EU – he said.
He emphasizes that it is crucial that the institute of the common market comes to life, and that initiatives like CEFTE are consistently implemented.
We cannot allow bilateral conflicts to hinder the progress of regional progress towards the EU – he said.
