Through the AmCham program “Rule of Dialogue,” foundations have been laid for a more inclusive, innovative, and competitive Montenegro. Building a strong and transparent business environment aligned with the highest standards of European and American companies will remain a key focus of the AmCham community, as highlighted during last night’s traditional AmCham Gala Dinner.

As the largest and most renowned international business community in the country, AmCham continuously strives to improve the business climate through its activities, stated Sanja Ćalasan, President of the AmCham Montenegro Board of Governors.

“The ‘Rule of Dialogue’ is not just a phrase. It is a platform we are developing to ensure constructive public-private dialogue, which is essential for addressing the challenges of today. Tonight, we honor those who have excelled in this dialogue—both from public administration and the private sector. Their work and dedication are not only an inspiration but also a guide for how we can build a better future together. Additionally, one of the values we particularly cherish is community care. Our members consistently demonstrate exceptional solidarity year after year, and thanks to their support, we carry out donation initiatives that change lives,” said Ćalasan.

She added that we live in a time of uncertainty, but also a time of opportunities. Therefore, AmCham’s mission remains clear—advocating 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.

“In defining our priorities for the upcoming period, the 2023-2024 Business Environment Report, currently in its final stages of preparation, will be of great help. It will be traditionally presented early next year at the Openly with the Prime Minister event,” added Ćalasan.

Judy Rising Reinke, the United States Ambassador to Montenegro, highlighted that Montenegro has made significant strides toward EU membership over the past year, which have attracted the attention of the international business community, alleviated concerns, and sparked investor interest.

“Montenegro has reignited the conversation on EU enlargement across the region, and with the positive IBAR report from June, it has breathed new life into the enlargement process. However, it’s important to emphasize that the journey towards membership is as transformative as the goal itself. Closing negotiation chapters is not merely about ‘checking boxes’—it involves implementing genuine reforms that build investor confidence, enhance transparency, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. The business community understands this, and enthusiasm grows alongside progress. We see this at our Embassy as well, where we are receiving an increasing number of business inquiries and investor interests. Montenegro’s challenge now is whether it can capitalize on these opportunities. Will the Government develop coordination mechanisms, competencies, and predictable processes to realize the fruits of these hard-earned reforms?” said Ambassador Reinke, who also reflected on AmCham’s Business Climate Report.

“This report gets to the heart of the matter. It is both a mirror and a roadmap—it reflects the reality of doing business in Montenegro and outlines a clear path forward. We hope that policymakers in Montenegro will take this report seriously and use it to further improve the business climate. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more competitive economy that benefits everyone and ensures sustainable progress. I urge the Government to reach out to AmCham and its diverse and extensive membership for support in addressing these challenges. This collaboration not only brings immediate economic benefits but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and competitive Montenegro, ready to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment,” concluded Ambassador Reinke.

A special part of the Gala Dinner was a conversation with the esteemed guest, Ms. Ajša Vodnik, MSc, President of the AmChams in Europe Network (ACE) and CEO of AmCham Slovenia.

During her conversation with AmCham Montenegro’s Executive Director, Marko Miročević, Vodnik emphasized 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 across Europe. Our strength lies not only in numbers but in strong, long-standing relationships,” said Vodnik.

The speakers also reflected on the role of AmCham Montenegro within the AmChams in Europe network, as well as the importance of sharing best practices among the network’s members.

“Montenegro is an important member of the AmChams in Europe community. Your ‘Rule of Dialogue’ program is something we would proudly replicate in other American Chambers, adapting it to our circumstances. It is a pleasure to see the results of this program, which is best reflected in the very active and collaborative business community you bring together,” concluded Vodnik.

At the Gala Dinner, certificates of appreciation were awarded for special contributions to the implementation of the “Rule of Dialogue” program. The recipients included: Sava Laketić, Acting Director of the Tax Administration of Montenegro; Snežana Mugoša, Director of CInMED; Radmila Bajić-Sekulić, Commercial Director of “Takeda” for Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia; and Bojana Nikčević from the law firm “Jovović, Mugoša & Vuković.” Additionally, a valuable donation was presented to the Volunteers of Montenegro Foundation.