New impetus for Monaco-Montenegro business relations

As part of a business trip to Monaco by Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Dusko Markovic, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) organised a Business Meeting for 50 entrepreneurs from the two countries. Synergies emerged which just need to be followed up.

The first common points that spring to mind are that both nations are on the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy an ideal climate and mountainous hinterland. During the meeting, other unifying factors appeared, related of course to business.

Opening the session, Monaco’s Minister of Economy and Finance Jean Castellini welcomed the initiative, citing high-performance sectors in the Principality that could be developed in Montenegro.

For Pavle Radulović, Sustainable Development and Tourism Minister, Monegasque expertise in tourism is of special interest as this is one of the main growth areas for Montenegro: “We are in Monaco seeking your expertise and advice,” he said.

Finally, having drawn attention to existing ties between the two Chambers of Commerce, including an agreement signed in 2013, Philippe Ortelli, MEB Vice-Chairman suggested “the catalytic role these bodies play could help build long-term links between entrepreneurs.”

Presentations highlighting both countries’ strengths and opportunities was followed by a networking lunch. It was an ideal opportunity for delegates to have face-to-face contact with others in their sector, the main ones represented being finance, transport, tourism, food industry and renewable energy. As always, the aim is to help people grow their businesses, and in this case to contribute to a rapprochement between the Principality and Montenegro.

Photo caption (credit REALIS) from l-r. Dragica Ponorac, Montenegro Ambassador to Monaco; Philippe Ortelli, MEB Vice-Chairman; Velimir Mijušković, President Montenegro Chamber of Commerce; Pavle Radulović, Montenegro’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism; Jean Castellini, Monaco’s Minister of Finance and Economy; Ivan Saveljić, Vice-President Montenegro Chamber of Economy; Anthony Stent-Torriani, Montenegro Consul in Monaco.