BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 5. Montenegro is
aware of and welcomes the growing importance of Azerbaijan as a
strategic hub in the regional and global economy, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ervin
Ibrahimović said in an exclusive interview with Trend, as he recently visited Baku.
“Montenegro’s participation in the First International
Investment Forum in Baku demonstrates Azerbaijan’s efforts to
diversify its economy, as well as our readiness to recognize
investment opportunities across numerous sectors. We believe that
stability, peace, and sustainable development in the region,
including the reconstruction and development of the Karabakh area,
create a favorable environment for investment. We expect the
Azerbaijani market to attract the attention of Montenegrin
investors, particularly those who, by strengthening their
capacities and through regional cooperation, seek to become
credible participants in a demanding investment market,” he
said.
The deputy PM believes that particularly promising areas for
investment include energy, infrastructure, innovation, green
energy, real estate, urban development, and projects based on the
principles of sustainable development.
He went on to add that additional promotion of Azerbaijan’s
investment opportunities in Montenegro could significantly
contribute to better informing the business community and
encouraging concrete investments that would enhance economic ties
between our countries.
“In this context, the role of economic diplomacy is particularly
important in connecting institutions, business communities, and
investors of the two countries, with these aspects of cooperation
to be further discussed within the framework of the upcoming
session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation,” said
Ibrahimović.
He noted that in addition to deepening cooperation in the energy
sector, Montenegro recognizes significant opportunities for
Azerbaijani investments in tourism, which represents one of the key
sectors of the country’s economic development.
“The existing Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism between the
Governments of Montenegro and Azerbaijan from 2011 provides a legal
framework for further investments and strengthening mutual ties. A
significant number of Azerbaijani tourists visit Montenegro, with a
continuous increase in arrivals and overnight stays, confirming
Montenegro’s growing recognition as a tourist destination. Direct
flights between Baku and Podgorica or Tivat further facilitate
access and strengthen tourism and economic connectivity.
When speaking about the quality of investments in Montenegro, I
always highlight with satisfaction the investment in the luxury
complex Portonovi, one of the most significant and recognizable
Azerbaijani investments in Montenegro, which has become a symbol of
successful cooperation between our countries. This investment has
significantly contributed to the development of tourism, enhanced
Montenegro’s international visibility, and strengthened its
positioning as a prestigious tourist destination. We see such
examples as a model we wish to further encourage through future
projects and new partnerships with Azerbaijani investors,” said the
deputy PM.
He pointed out that in addition to tourism and energy,
Montenegro would like to see investments from Azerbaijan in
infrastructure projects, health and congress tourism, as well as
sustainable development projects in national parks and northern
Montenegro.
“The construction of key infrastructure projects, such as the
Bar–Boljare highway, opens additional investment opportunities and
increases the accessibility of less developed regions.”
Ibrahimović noted that Montenegro’s NATO membership and its
expected accession to the European Union further strengthen
investor confidence, confirming that Montenegro is a stable, safe,
and predictable environment for investment.
“The Government of Montenegro principledly supports all serious
and responsible investments, and experience with existing
Azerbaijani investments shows that joint projects can significantly
contribute to overall economic cooperation between our
countries.”