A higher level of understanding and cooperation between the private and public sectors are key preconditions for further development of the Montenegrin economy and society, said at the traditional Gala Evening, held within the American Chamber of Commerce’s Better Business Environment Program.

AmCham Montenegro President of the Board of Governors, Svetlana Vuksanović, said that only timely, quality and continuous dialogue can produce those solutions that lead to the improvement of the business environment, and which are sustainable and applicable in practice.

“We hope that the Government of Montenegro has recognized the importance of our program and our desire to be a true partner in the decision-making process, to create a predictable and transparent business environment based on the rule of law, strengthen capital security, and attract as many reputable investors from The United States and Western European countries “, said Vuksanović and called on the relevant ministries to intensify cooperation with AmCham committees.

The Ambassador of the United States of America to Montenegro, H.E. Judy Raising Reinke, said that the American Chamber of Commerce, with its efforts, had a significant impact on the business climate in Montenegro and on strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors.

“We are all on the same task because we all strive for a business environment that is transparent, fair and predictable. I regularly talk to interested American investors who are considering business prospects in Montenegro, but often complain that the business climate here does not suit them. They are concerned about the lack of transparency in public procurement, the unpredictability of the implementation of existing contracts or the undue impact of competition. In short, they point to corruption and distrust of the system. That is why additional efforts are needed in the fight against corruption, and I am sure that stronger cooperation and communication between the Government and the private sector is essential for success”, the Ambassador said. She reminded that the USA and Montenegro launched a new bilateral economic dialogue in September, which, as she said, is an excellent platform for deepening cooperation between the two countries.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar addressed the audience via video message and stressed the need to further intensify Montenegro’s economic ties with the US and Europe to improve living standards. Montenegro on the road to the EU.

“The American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro has been and will be our most important partner in this task. Together with us, you need to be a key link in shaping policies that respond to the needs of the private sector. In the coming period, we want you to be advocates for the interests of companies operating in Montenegro, so that we can be sure that the changes that await Montenegro in the next few years will have a positive impact on them, “said Escobar.

The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Zdravko Krivokapić, said that the commitment to the Euro-Atlantic path, successes in the fight against corruption and crime, as well as the Government’s ambitious and fresh reform course, are important pledges for richer and more meaningful bilateral relations.

“We need stronger investment support from the United States and reliable, relevant investors who would come from that country.” “Montenegro has made a big step, primarily through membership in the North Atlantic Alliance – we have confirmed our readiness to cooperate sincerely, friendly and allied at all levels, and in all areas,” Krivokapic said.

At the AmCham Gala evening, letters of thanks were presented for the special contribution to the Program for a better business environment, as well as donations in the field of socially responsible business.

Minister of Health Jelena Borovinić Bojović and President of the AmCham Committee for Digital Transformation Vuka Vukašinović received letters of thanks for their special contribution to the Program.

The Clinic for Otolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery within the Clinical Center of Montenegro received a donation of 8 instruments, micro-scissors for laryngomicroscopic laryngeal surgery, and diagnostics of patients with suspected malignant diseases, while the Health Center in Bijelo Polje received a donation of audiometer necessary for the Medical Service work.

AmCham has been implementing the Partnership for a Better Business Environment Program since April 2017, with the aim of raising the level of mutual understanding between the private and public sectors, in order to contribute to more efficient removal of business barriers, better texts of legal acts and better application of legal norms. and the private sector.