Vienna Economic Forum – Montenegro Meeting 2008, held under the patronage of H.E. Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro, was a success. The Montenegro Meeting took place in Becici, located on the Budva coast. Over 230 participants from 21 countries attended, including representatives from the South-East European Co-operation Process (SEECP), the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI) of the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the OSCE, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the International Finance Corporation – World Bank Group.
In his welcome address, H.E. Milo Đukanović, Prime Minister of Montenegro and patron of Vienna Economic Forum, discussed the role of investment in Montenegro as a key factor in successful preparation for European integration.
Dr. Erhard Busek, President of Vienna Economic Forum and former Vice Chancellor of Austria, highlighted in his opening statement Montenegro’s outstanding economic development in recent years and the investment opportunities that are of particular interest to foreign investors.
Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation as a key prerequisite for the economic development of the entire region. Cooperation also plays a vital role in sharing information, advancing economic interests, and addressing the topics on the agenda for the Montenegro Meeting.
Several Montenegrin ministers participated in Vienna Economic Forum – Montenegro Meeting, contributing speeches and engaging in bilateral discussions:
• H.E. Dr. Vujica LAZOVIC, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy, Government of Montenegro
• H.E. Branimir GVOZDENOVIC, Minister for Economic Development, Government of Montenegro
• H.E. Dr. Igor LUKSIC, Minister of Finance, Government of Montenegro
• H.E. Dr. Andrija LOMPAR, Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs, and Telecommunications, Government of Montenegro
• H.E. Mr. Predrag NENEZIĆ, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Protection, Government of Montenegro
• H.E. Mr. Jusuf KALAMPEROVIC, Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Administration, Government of Montenegro
Three plenary sessions addressed the following topics:
• Investment Policy and Infrastructure Projects
• Investment Opportunities in Montenegro
• Investment Experiences and Investment Needs in Montenegro
The opportunity for bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister, Montenegrin ministers, and senior representatives of Montenegrin companies was highly appreciated by the members of Vienna Economic Forum. These discussions laid a solid foundation for further collaboration, attracting interest from Austrian, Montenegrin, and international companies.
