AmCham Montenegro hosted a Business Luncheon today with H.E. Mr. Branimir Gvozdenović, Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism, as the honorary guest speaker. As stated at the event, the overall business environment in the real estate and construction sector was improved during the previous period. However, investors are expecting the new Law on Construction and Spatial Planning will introduce more quality solutions and ensure full implementation of the regulation.

The AmCham President, Ms. Katarina Bulatović, expressed AmCham’s readiness to continue to be an active partner to the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism in improving the business environment in this sector. „Creating a stimulating business environment and ensuring full implementation of laws is crucial for attracting foreign investors and at the same time, represents a guarantee of their stable and sustainable doing business. AmCham Montenegro is involved in this process through the work of the Real Estate Committee. We strive to contribute in achieving our mutual goal – further economic development of Montenegro“, said Ms. Bulatović.

The U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro, H.E. Margaret A. Uyehara emphasized the importance of attracting foreign companies to come to Montenegro. However, she pointed out the necessity of taking good care of companies that are already here and have invested in Montenegro. “I can only help attract more U.S. investors if we have good examples of successes to highlight”, the Ambassador said and expressed her conviction that U.S. companies will continue to look around the globe for good investments. “Our common challenge is to ensure that they take a close look at Montenegro. First, we must together work toward removing existing business barriers.  Communication and collaboration between the private sector and government decision makers is critical in that sense. I think this event is a good example of how we can continue that conversation“, said H.E. Margaret Uyehara.

Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism, Mr. Branimir Gvozdenović, the honorary guest speaker, presented the Ministry’s activities on improving the business climate in this area. “I see the amendments to the Law as advantages and a proof of our readiness to continuously adjust to the investment and other trends. These amendments are precisely the key reason for our progress in the World Bank’s Doing Business Report. Of course, we will continue with reforms in this area and the work on increasing the competitiveness in the tourism sector. Therefore, we have prepared a set of reforms in tourism and construction sectors, and the results during and after its implementation will surely be visible.“, stated Mr. Gvozdenović.

AmCham Business Luncheon gathered numerous representatives of private sector, state authority, presidents of local municipalities, as well as representatives of the diplomatic core.