Towards inclusive and sustainable industrialization in Montenegro

The first Strategic Programme Framework (SPF) for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development of Montenegro 2017-2021 has been presented at the high-level event organised by the Government of Montenegro and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

The General Director of the Directorate General for Multilateral Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ivan Ivanišević indicated that entrepreneurship and industry were the true agents of change and development.

“We in the Government of Montenegro therefore believe that cooperation with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) through this strategic framework will maximize the Montenegrin potentials for development and sustainability”, said Ivanisevic.

The Government of Montenegro and UNIDO signed the Strategic Programme Framework on 4th December 2017 in Vienna. With the budget projected to 21 million euros, the Strategic Programme Framework is an ambitious reform plan that provides focused intervention and technical support in three areas: strengthening of industrial competitiveness, fostering rural development and job creation and adoption of sustainable environment and energy management policies.

Head of the regional UNIDO division for Europe and Central Asia, Jacek Curkowski, emphasized the importance of the document and called for mobilisation of international and national resources for its implementation.

“Today we start a journey towards strengthening of Montenegrin economy, better life standard and greater sustainability through inclusive industrialisation. I call on all relevant actors to join us in this effort, for realisation of this strategic framework requires support and resources.” -  said Curkowski.

Built upon the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and particularly focused on Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), the SPF is harmonized with Government's major development programmes.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Ms. Fiona McCluney, highlighted the importance of this document for Montenegro, but also for implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

“Priorities laid down in this document are fully aligned with national priorities, but also with the Integrated United Nations Programme – a five-year-long strategic framework of the United Nations work in Montenegro”, stressed Ms. McCluney.

UNIDO is the first organisation of the United Nations which Montenegro joined upon regaining its independence in 2006. Since then, technical support has been provided in the areas of water management, cleaner production, harmonisation with international agreements, cluster development and competitiveness of SMEs, with the support of the European Union, Government of Slovenia, Multilateral Fund for implementation of the Montreal Protocol, joint fund of the UN, as well as the Delivering Results Together Fund (DRT-F).