Italy a pillar on the path of economic growth and political stability

Italy continues to serve as a key pillar in Montenegro’s path toward economic growth, political stability, and integration into the European Union, said Nina Drakić, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro (PCCG), during the Montenegro–Italy Economic Dialogue held on April 3 in Podgorica.

The roundtable was organized in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in Montenegro, the Italian Foreign Trade Agency (ICE), and the PCCG. It brought together business leaders and institutions from both countries to discuss ongoing projects, investment opportunities, and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

“For centuries, Montenegro and Italy have built strong bridges of friendship and cooperation, sharing common values and goals,” Drakić noted.

She praised Italy’s diverse economic model, highlighting its global strengths in industry, mechanical engineering, fashion, agriculture, energy, and gastronomy—sectors Montenegro is striving to develop as it seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen resilience to global economic shocks.

Drakić expressed confidence that Montenegro has much to offer in sectors like tourism, agriculture, energy, and trade, and that Italy recognizes this potential.

Diplomatic and Business Ties Deepen

Italian Ambassador to Montenegro, Andreina Marcella, emphasized that this roundtable stemmed from the September 2023 visit of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, during which both governments agreed to facilitate Italian business engagement in Montenegro.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome leading Italian associations and companies in fields such as agriculture, transport, energy, environment, and tourism,” said Marcella. She expressed hope that the B2B and B2G meetings would lead to tangible business outcomes and long-term cooperation.

Antonio Ventresca, Director of ICE for Belgrade and Podgorica, underlined that this meeting is not a one-time event, but rather the start of a practical and operational cooperation between Italian and Montenegrin companies and institutions.

“Dialogue means building through communication,” Ventresca said. “The goal is to turn connections into concrete business ventures.”

Key Sectors and Project Highlights

The event gathered several high-level Montenegrin officials, including:

• Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Ecology and Sustainable Development

• Simonida Kordić, Minister of Tourism

• Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas

Minister Ćulafić spoke of major infrastructure initiatives, particularly in waste management, emphasizing how they align with European environmental standards and lay the groundwork for a circular economy.

Minister Šahmanović highlighted the regulatory improvements in Montenegro’s energy sector and outlined solar and wind energy projects that could boost the country’s energy capacity by up to 550%.

Minister Kordić reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable, year-round tourism, particularly in the underdeveloped northern regions, calling on Italian investors to seize the untapped potential.

Business Presentations and Bilateral Meetings

The roundtable featured presentations by representatives from several Italian institutions and companies, including:

• Ferrero Hazelnut Company – Agriserbia

• FEDERUNACOMA – National Association of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers

• Fondazione Agrifood & Bioeconomy FVG

• OICE – Association of Engineers, Architects and Technical-Economic Consultants

• 3TI Progetti, SIMEST, and Finest SpA

Montenegro’s Investment Agency, represented by Aleksandra Božović, presented the country’s current business and investment environment.

The event concluded with B2B (business-to-business) and B2G (business-to-government) meetings, providing space for direct connections between Montenegrin institutions and their Italian counterparts.

The event was moderated by Jelena Adžić, from the PCCG’s International Cooperation Division.