Commerce extérieur
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On the 13th of October 2022, Mr. Carlo Thelen, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, welcomed a business delegation from Montenegro at the Chamber of Commerce for a country seminar and B2B meetings with Montenegrin companies. In his presentation Mr. Thelen pointed to the strong ties between both countries which share similarities in population and country size and thus a common mindset as to the importance of open borders and international trade, as well as the many opportunities for growth that exist and that can be explored in the future.
Mr. Carlo Thelen and His Excellency Mr. Philippe Donckel, Ambassador of Luxembourg to Montenegro (non-resident) both noted that the Montenegrin community is large and well-integrated in Luxembourg. In fact, the Montenegrin community is the largest community of citizens outside the European Union in Luxembourg. The launch of direct flights between the two countries has strengthened the ties even more by bringing the countries and their citizens closer together via direct air connections.
His Excellency Mr. Ivan Lekovic, Ambassador of Montenegro to Belgium and Luxembourg, gave an overview of international news, as well as of the current situation in Montenegro. While Ms. Nina Drakić, President of the Chamber of Economy of the Republic of Montenegro, pointed out the economic situation and development of the country. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Mladen Grgić, Director of the Montenegrin Investment Agency, who pointed to the attributes of Montenegro as a business destination and focused on how to better connect Luxembourg and Montenegrin business communities, as well as fostering partnerships, trade and economic ties between both countries.
This was demonstrated by a relevant example. Luxembourg based 3D scanner specialist company Artec 3D has recently opened an office in Montenegro, employing already over 80 members of staff in less than 8 months. Mr. Artem Yukhin, CEO of Artec 3D, highlighted in his presentation the steps as to why Montenegro is an attractive business place, complementing their headquarters in Luxembourg, and shared some insights into some projects currently being developed in the new Montenegro office.
Apart from a growing IT sector, the Montenegrin economy is still strongly dependent on tourism and is developing extensive projects in that area, while at the same time diversifying its sectors. A growing renewable energy potential, demonstrated in a presentation by the Montenegrin state-owned electricity company Elektroprivreda Crne Gore AD, makes Montenegro ready for a renewable and sustainable future in solar and wind energy.
In the follow-up of the presentations, a B2B matchmaking session took place, allowing companies and business representatives from both countries to connect and exchange ideas about potentials for cooperation. The Montenegrin business delegation included representatives from many sectors such as construction, telecom, health, transportation, energy and tourism. The Forum then concluded with a networking lunch.
