The Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro have symbolic trade of about USD 12 million in the first six months of 2015. The biggest problem for greater economic cooperation is the poor traffic connections which prevents frequent contacts between companies and businessmen, is the conclusion of today's Macedonian-Montenegrin Business Forum, which was organized within the framework of the official visit of President Ivanov to Montenegro.

The Business Forum in Podgorica presented the investment opportunities in Macedonia, the favorable environment and regulations for opening businesses to the representatives of 45 companies from both countries.

The two presidents stressed at the Forum that the peak in the cooperation between the two countries is reached in all areas except in the economy, afield in which there is great potential but is conditioned by poor road infrastructure.

The communication between the business communities will be improved by connecting the Adriatic-Ionian highway with Corridors 8 and 10, something that President Ivanov said should be completed as soon as possible. Faster solution to this problem is expected with the opening of direct Skopje - Podgorica and Skopje – Tivat flights which should be more frequent during the tourist season and with several flights during the week in off-season. This will be achieved through subsidizing low-cost airlines.

- This Forum is an opportunity to explore and develop cooperation in this direction. We, the politicians, remove barriers and create conditions for cooperation. You, the businessmen, need to recognize the opportunities and seize them. If Macedonia and Montenegro have joint embassies, then Macedonian and Montenegrin companies can appear jointly on third markets? Together we can be more competitive and attractive at the European and global markets, President Ivanov said and invited the Montenegrin businessmen to visit Macedonia, to become familiar with the existing facilities and with the positive experience of the companies already operating in our country.
President Vujanovic also stressed that more can be done in the economy.

- Our foreign trade is approximately at the level of EUR 30 million per year, which is not enough for the potential of our two countries. We have a very serious trade deficit; it is reduced by promoting our export opportunities, but it is not enough. Since the independence, Macedonia invested in Montenegro EUR 9.5 million. It is really insignificant though for economic partnership as a whole there is a good foundation and contractual basis for quality cooperation between the companies, as well as good institutional connectivity for promotion of the economic cooperation, Vujanovic said.

He urged the businessmen from Montenegro to contribute to the development of the economic cooperation and also stressed that the Government of the Republic of Macedonia stimulates investment with numerous quality conditions, that Macedonia is a country where investors are respected.

The investment opportunities in Macedonia were presented to the Montenegrin companies by the Minister for Foreign Investments, Bill Pavlevski.

- Particularly in the field of tourism and tourism development zones offered in Macedonia, such as the meetings we had today with AMAN-group. You may consider opportunities to invest in the construction of a luxury hotel or resort in Macedonia. But the purpose of the Forum is to deepen the bilateral trade, which at the moment is EUR 30 million annually and is at a very low level but can be significantly increased, Pavlevski said after the presentation at the Forum.
Zeljko Vidakovic, Vice President of the Union of Employers of Montenegro, said that the Forum is an opportunity to deepen the friendly relations that are not so intensive in the economy.

- Macedonia, with its potentials, has great chances of for even greater placement of agricultural products in Montenegro, which annually imports nearly half a billion euro in food. There is a chance for us to be more present in the large tourist market in Macedonia, which can be achieved by establishing permanent flights presented by the presidents of both countries. It would entail not only a tourist, but also other types of economic cooperation, Vidakovic said.

Mile Boskov, President of the Business Confederation of Macedonia, said that the Union of Employers of Montenegro has established and maintains social and economic relations. As a business community, he said, we are interested in participating in the distribution of food and other products through the establishment of cargo connection between the two countries.

The Forum was attended by Ilija Vuckov, entrepreneur, representing the entrepreneurship in Macedonia, which is in line with President Ivanov's program - young entrepreneurs, representatives of small and medium-sized businesses offering innovative services and products, to be included in the delegation of the Republic of Macedonia and to present the business opportunities.

With the Macedonian-Montenegrin Business Forum in Podgorica, President Ivanov wrapped up his second official visit to Montenegro.