The Montenegrin Foreign Investors Council (MFIC) unveiled its 14th edition of the White Book – Investment Climate in Montenegro 2024, an annual publication assessing the country’s business and investment environment.
According to the MFIC’s latest Business Climate Index, Montenegro scored 6.5 for ease of doing business, a slight improvement from previous years.
Progress Amid Persistent Challenges
While the rise in the index may be modest, it signals progress in addressing critical challenges, according to Tamas Kamarasi, Chair of the MFIC Board of Directors. “This improvement highlights efforts to tackle key business obstacles. It reflects the impact of collaborative initiatives, from policy enhancements to strengthening public-private partnerships. However, we must remain honest and realistic. This progress is a positive yet symbolic signal. Deepening the dialogue between the government, foreign investors, and the broader business community is crucial for sustained positive change,” Kamarasi emphasized during the publication’s launch.
Recommendations for the Future
The White Book introduces 23 new recommendations aimed at advancing Montenegro’s business environment. Although no recommendations from previous editions have been fully implemented, Executive Director Arijana Nikolić Vučinić highlighted steps forward on 26 recommendations. “This underlines the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation with institutions. We hope these recommendations will be integrated into future strategic plans,” she noted.
Commitment from the Government
Finance Minister Novica Vuković, a guest at the event, acknowledged the importance of the Council’s recommendations and emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a stable and sustainable economic environment. “The cornerstone of Montenegro’s macroeconomic stability lies in sustainable public finances,” Vuković said. He reiterated the government’s goal of creating a “better and more prosperous Montenegro” through a strong partnership with the business community.
“This partnership will enable us to identify business barriers more efficiently and act swiftly to eliminate them. Our mission is to make Montenegro a desirable destination for living, working, and investing,” he concluded.
A Call for Deeper Collaboration
The White Book 2024 offers both a critical appraisal and a roadmap for Montenegro’s business landscape. With incremental progress acknowledged, stakeholders are now called to accelerate efforts and turn recommendations into action. The future of Montenegro’s investment climate, it seems, hinges on the strength of partnerships between government, businesses, and investors.
Whether these partnerships can deliver the transformative change envisioned remains a challenge that only time – and collaborative effort – will reveal.
