Montenegro
Moves Forward
No.5

Cover Interview

Arijana Nikolić Vučinić, Executive Director of MFIC

Montenegro’s Business Climate

Foreign Investors Council

FIC

Shaping a Better Investment Future

Foreign investments play a crucial role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities across the Adria region In this issue, we delve into exclusive interviews with the executive directors of the Foreign Investors’ Councils of Serbia and Montenegro, coinciding with the...

Aleksandar Ljubić, Executive Director of FIC Serbia

Dedicated to Serbia’s Prosperity

By committing to innovation, sustainability, and the rule of law, Serbia can secure its position as an attractive investment destination. The 2024 White Book outlines key strategies to make this a reality Serbia continues to be a top destination for foreign investment, with €4.52...

Opinion

By Miro Kovač PhD, Former Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia

The Day After

Donald Trump performed a miracle. Against all odds, he succeeded in being re-elected as the 47th President of the United States of America. He secured a large majority in the Electoral College, won the popular vote by a wide margin, and saw the...

Transport Community

Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Transport Community

Advancing Adria’s Transport Future

Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Transport Community, explains how EU-backed reforms and infrastructure projects are reshaping connectivity, safety, and sustainability in the Adria region With the European Commission’s new Reform Agendas and the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the Adria region is...

Opportunities for U.S. Companies in Adria

AmCham

Opportunities for U.S. Companies in Adria

What makes the Adria region a rising star for U.S. investors? To uncover the answer, The Region turned to the leaders of AmCham Slovenia, Albania, Serbia, Croatia, and North Macedonia, posing three pivotal questions: Which sectors hold the most potential for U.S. businesses?...

Ajša Vodnik, CEO of AmCham Slovenia & Chair of AmCham in Europe

Slovenia Innovates for U.S. Collaboration

Slovenia is a hub for innovation and sustainability, making sectors like green technologies, renewable energy, and smart cities particularly attractive for U.S. businesses. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries benefit from a strong research base and collaboration opportunities with EU institutions. Additionally, the IT...

Vera Nikolić-Dimić, Executive Director of AmCham Serbia

Renewable Energy Powers Progress

Serbia’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector continues to be one of the most promising for U.S. businesses. The country has a highly skilled and affordable tech workforce with strengths in software development, artificial intelligence, and fintech. The ICT sector is bolstered by...

Andrea Doko Jelušić, Executive Director of AmCham Croatia

Croatia’s ICT Growth and Business Potential

Croatia has a growing ICT sector. As early as 2014, AmCham Croatia highlighted the strategic potential of this sector, which is now evident in the development of startups and innovative tech companies. Notably, Croatia has two domestic unicorns in the tech sector. Encouraging...

Jelena Arsovska, Executive director of AmCham North Macedonia

A Strategic Gateway for U.S. Investments

Let me start with the two most obvious sectors. Renewable energy offers substantial opportunities, with the government aiming for 38% renewable energy consumption by 2030. This opens doors for U.S. investments in solar, wind, and energy infrastructure projects. The automotive sector continues to...

Neritan Mullaj, Executive Director of AmCham Albania

Albania a Rising Hub for Investment

We are an integral component of a vast regional market and have made significant strides in our negotiations to join the EU. Key sectors like energy, tourism, agriculture, and ICT are progressively gaining the attention of investors. Albania is emerging as a significant...

Analysis

Road connections with the EU across the Western Balkans

At Crossroads

Improving road connections with the EU and across the Western Balkans region is essential to strengthening integration, though toll rates don’t always match road quality. In some cases, the toll rates charged on highways in the region don’t always equate to the actual...

Bussines Pulse

Snežana Đurović, Director of The Montenegrin Investment Agency (MIA)

Montenegro’s Investment Potential

In an interview with The Region, Snežana Đurović, Director of The Montenegrin Investment Agency (MIA), spoke about the unique potential of her country that draws investors from around the world, untapped opportunities, the most attractive sectors for investment, and her hopes for continued...

Đorđe Bikicki, Owner of Bikicki Winery

Crafting Wines with Passion and Purpose

Nestled on the northern slopes of Fruška Gora, Bikicki Winery has become a symbol of dedication and craftsmanship in the world of natural wines. With Moma Traminac 2023 earning accolades at Wine Vision by Open Balkan 2024, Đorđe Bikicki shares how his commitment...

Tomaž Lah, CEO of Nektar Natura

Driving Nektar Natura’s Global Reach

Nektar Natura, a premier European beverage provider for the hospitality industry, has achieved a new milestone by being named ITM Exporter of the Year 2024. This prestigious award highlights the company’s exceptional international reach and best practices in global business. Your company has...

Luštica Bay’s New Neighbourhood – Horizon

A Place of Balance, Beauty & Belonging

• Private and intimate community of residences, offering a fresh take on the Montenegrin villages of old • Innovation of new options available • Located next to The Peaks golf course, residents have access to an exclusive Clubhouse and Luštica Bay’s amenities A corner...

Ivana Kantar, Director of HR and Organization at Addiko Bank Serbia

Empowering Inclusive Workplaces

As Director of Human Resources and Organization at Addiko Bank Serbia, Ivana Kantar is transforming workplace culture. In this exclusive interview, she discusses the bank’s commitment to fostering a motivating work environment, empowering employees, and promoting diversity. She also shares her thoughts on...

Akton Belgrade: A Reliable Partner for Your IT Challenges

IT Managed Services… Your IT, Our Responsibility Save time and resources and increase efficiency with our IT-managed services. Understanding that every company has unique needs, we have developed a modular approach that allows customised solutions for all types of businesses. Our key services...

Mark Harrison, Founder & Principal of Harrisons Solicitors

A Legal Pioneer in the Balkans

Mark Harrison, Founder and Principal of Harrisons Solicitors has spent nearly four decades at the forefront of legal practice in Serbia and Montenegro, carving a unique path as the first and only English solicitor registered with the Serbian Bar Association. In this interview...

Marijanti Babić, Country Head of Serbia at Rio Tinto

Lithium’s Role in the Green Energy Revolution

As the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy and sustainable technologies, lithium has emerged as a cornerstone of the green revolution. In this interview, Marijanti Babić, Country Head of Serbia at Rio Tinto, shares insights into lithium’s pivotal role in energy storage,...

Migration

Migration in Motion

Migration, a force as old as humanity, is constantly evolving, shaped by global dynamics and local realities. Today, it is no longer a linear journey of departure and settlement but a complex, multi-directional process with far-reaching impacts on economies, societies, and policies. Nowhere...

Zeynal Hajiyev, IOM Chief of Mission in Serbia

Labour Migration Fuels Economic Growth

Today, more than ever, migration cannot be perceived as a linear phenomenon that begins with emigration and ends with permanent settlement in a new country. Rather, global mobility is increasingly multi-directional and complex, and changes in dynamics and trends, says The International Organization...

The Power of Words

The Power of Words: Business Trends Redefined in 2024

Inclusive Leadership Inclusive leadership emphasises valuing diversity, fostering belonging, and encouraging equitable opportunities in workplaces. Leaders who practice inclusion actively listen to underrepresented voices, challenge biases, and implement policies promoting equity. This style boosts innovation, employee satisfaction, and retention, making it integral to contemporary...

Fashion

Roksanda Ilinčić

The Architect of Emotion

Fashion often operates as an art form, a statement, or a spectacle—but for Roksanda Ilinčić, it’s a medium for shaping emotions. Known for her bold colours, sculptural silhouettes, and architectural sensibility, Roksanda’s work transcends the runway to inhabit the deeply personal space between...

Science

Željko Knez, Award-winning Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the University of Maribor

Science for Everyday Life

From pharmaceuticals to eco-friendly food processing, Professor Željko Knez reveals how cutting-edge science is transforming the products we use every day Professor Željko Knez may be known for his groundbreaking work in chemical engineering, but his innovations reach into everyday life in surprising ways....

Young talents

Young Talents Shine

The Adria region is witnessing a remarkable surge in youth achievements across various disciplines, from sports to technology. Young talents are making significant strides, showcasing their skills and bringing pride to their respective countries. This wave of accomplishments not only highlights individual excellence...

Upcoming Events

Fair Calendar

The Adria region is set to host a diverse lineup of fairs this season, covering industries, culture, and innovation. From Slovenia and Croatia to Serbia, North Macedonia, and beyond, this calendar provides essential details on events taking place from January to March 2025....

A Regional Beacon of High-Tech Agriculture

This ambitious event was the brainchild of Slavko Marković, the fair’s Director, with Alek Garčević as the Program Director. The Municipality of Gornji Milanovac provided substantial support through the efforts of Lazar Nikolić, President of the Municipal Assembly. The collaboration between local authorities,...

Raising a Glass at Wine Vision 2024

The third Wine Vision by the Open Balkan Fair in Belgrade has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the international wine scene. This year’s event brought together wine producers, distillers, culinary artisans, and enthusiasts from 38 countries, solidifying the region’s reputation as...

Culture

Lesser Known Tales from the Adria

The Adria region is a treasure trove of lesser-known tales that weave together history, culture, and natural beauty. From the enduring truffle hunting traditions of Croatia's Istrian Peninsula to Albania's ubiquitous bunkers, each story tells a unique chapter of the region's past. Discover...

EXPO

From Osaka to Belgrade

Innovation and inspiration are set to cross continents as Osaka gears up for EXPO 2025 and Belgrade prepares to host EXPO 2027. These two global showcases, though separated by oceans and years, share a common goal: redefining the way we think about humanity’s...

Champion

Aleksandar Indjić, Grandmaster

Quiet Triumph in Europe’s Chess

Aleksandar Indjić, a grandmaster who has long been a force in the chess world, has reached a new milestone in his illustrious career by claiming the title of European Chess Champion. His victory not only cements his place among the greats but also...
Montenegro
Moves Forward
No.5
Leaf Through

Connecting the Adria Region Decision Makers

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