Norway Supports the Development of Small Businesses and Innovation in Montenegro with One Million Euros

Minister Milatovic, State Secretary Lipovina-Božovic, your Excellency, representatives of the ministries and line institutions, dear representative of the Delegation of European Union in Montenegro, dear colleagues from UNOPS and UNDP, dear representatives of the local self-governments and international partners,  ladies and gentlemen

I was privileged to participate in the presentation of some excellent results of the first phase of the “Norway for You - Montenegro” project a few months ago. Today, I am pleased that the Kingdom of Norway continued its support to the Government of Montenegro through the second phase, which will contribute to the further development of the country and fulfillment of the Agenda 2030. 

I am glad to hear that in its next phase, the “Norway for You - Montenegro” Project will focus on empowerment of the ecosystem of institutions and organizations supporting the development of small businesses at the national and local level, by bringing them together, as well as on key innovation-related institutional infrastructure in the country.

The recently developed Common Country Analysis document, which frames UN intervention in Montenegro for the upcoming period, reflects on a greater need for measures to address the business barriers in order to enable the growth of MSMEs as well as on the pathway for the new model of Montenegrin economy that should be based on stimulating innovation.

As the project will be implemented by UNOPS in partnership with UNDP, I consider this to be a great recognition of the value of the joint action of different UN agencies in Montenegro, and by the Government of Montenegro and the Embassy of Norway.

Therefore, on behalf of the UN team in Montenegro, I believe that the project will successfully continue to create a positive impact on the beneficiaries and stakeholders while contributing to a better life of the common people in Montenegro.

Thank you very much!