Slovenia and Montenegro Looking to Improve Economic Ties

A conference of Montenegrin and Slovenian business officials was organised by the Chamber of Commerce (GZS) as Montenegrin PM Milo Djukanovic began a two-day official visiting Ljubljana on 18 May. Addressing the conference, PM Anton Rop said that Slovenia and Montenegro had excellent political relations, and now the time had come for economic ties to follow. Rop said that Montenegro, as well as the whole region, could expect to see more Slovenian investment in the coming years. Moreover, he claimed that Slovenia ‘s EU membership had opened the door to greater Montenegrin imports, an opportunity that Montenegrin business officials should grab with both hands. Djukanovic echoed this view, and invited Slovenian managers to take part in Montenegro’s privatisation. However, Montenegro is also looking forward to continued strong political relations, Djukanovic said, adding that his country would like to get Slovenian experience and knowledge in joining the EU. Last year bilateral trade amounted to US$ 51m, most of which were were Slovenian exports. Slovenian investments in Montenegro totalled EUR 15m in 2003 . (