Montenegro showcases economic potential and collaboration opportunities at Levantine Fair in Bari

The Montenegrin delegation showcased the country’s potential at the Levantine Fair in Bari and highlighted opportunities for collaboration with the Apulia region across various sectors, according to the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG).

PKCG President Nina Drakić and Vice President Nikola Vujović participated in the presentation of Montenegro at the fair. Montenegro had its own booth in the Nations Gallery throughout the event, featuring relevant materials and providing essential information to interested parties.

The delegation emphasized potential collaboration with the Apulia region in areas such as technology, renewable energy, agriculture and tourism. They also highlighted Montenegro’s role as a gateway for future economic relations and cooperation between Italy and the Western Balkans.

Drakić noted that PKCG’s presence at the event underscores their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Montenegro and Italy and showcasing the country’s diverse sectoral potential.

“Trade between Montenegro and Italy has significantly increased, with a recorded exchange of €252 million last year, reflecting a 9.8% rise from the previous year. Italy is one of our key trading partners and ranks second in foreign direct investments in Montenegro,” Drakić detailed.

From 2019 to the present, total Italian investments amounted to €207 million. Last year, 27,810 Italian tourists visited Montenegro, marking a 14.7% increase compared to 2022, indicating growing interest in Montenegro as a destination.

Dejan Vuković, Acting Director General for Economic and Public Diplomacy at Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed critical topics for cooperation with the Apulia region, suggesting that future relations could extend far beyond current frameworks. He stated that Montenegro could serve as a gateway for Italian investments in the Western Balkans, providing access to a broader regional market with significant growth potential. He also emphasized Italy’s energy management expertise, technological know-how, and strong position in the European Union as invaluable support for Montenegro.

Snežana Đurović, Director of the Investment Agency, expressed that Montenegro is more than just a breathtaking destination. “Montenegro is an emerging hub for investments and innovation, strategically located along the Adriatic Sea and committed to economic reforms and sustainability, positioning us as an attractive destination for international investors.”

Antonio Vasilie, President of Bari Airport, and Vincenzo Leone, Commissioner of the Southern Adriatic Port Authority, highlighted the importance of establishing direct flights and regular maritime routes between Bari and Montenegro. Bari’s Mayor, Vito Leccese, promised maximum support for future initiatives and expressed hope for a new phase in relations between the capital of Apulia and Montenegro, starting with the signing of a twinning protocol between Bari and Bar.

Pjeranđelo Arđentijeri, Vice President of Federalberghi Puglia, and Matija Degenaro, Vice President of Confindustria Giovani Turismo, expressed readiness to establish new collaboration models in tourism.

Antonio Felice Uricchio, President of the Italian national agency responsible for evaluating the university system and research, announced progress in defining procedures for recognizing foreign students’ university degrees, primarily from Montenegro. Sergio Magarelli, Director of the Bank of Italy in Apulia, emphasized the need for sustainability and social inclusion principles to improve labor productivity.

A visit from the Apulia region delegation to Montenegro is expected in the near future.