In the interview with CdM, Director General of the Directorate for maritime economy in the Ministry of Transport, MS Maja Mijušković, talks about the Strategy for development of maritime economy, projects, objectives… She says that the Strategy envisages that by 2030, Montenegro will have been restored the image of traditionally maritime country with significantly strengthened and competitive maritime economy whose development is based on the principles of sustainability.
CdM: At the proposal of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, on 30 July Government of Montenegro adopted Strategy for the development of maritime economy 2020-2030 with Action plan 2020-2021. Can you tell us what has been covered by this important document?
Ms Mijušković: It is a very important document, especially because analyzes all potentials of the sea in a systemic way and observes them through the prism of blue economy. Development of this Strategy endeavors to strengthen role of the sector of maritime economy in the development of Montenegro’s competitiveness through clearly defined maritime policy and initiatives of sustainable development. In that context, the Strategy does not encompass only basis segments of maritime economy such as shipping and services in maritime transport, shipbuilding, port infrastructure, port services and human resources, but also other economic activities related to the sea or coastal area: fishery, nautical tourism, research and production of hydrocarbon, as well as emerging industries like bio-technology of sea.
Blue economy
Blue economy implies use of sea resources for the development of economic activities in an environmentally-acceptable way. Special attention is focused on the activities aimed at strengthening administrative capacities to create conditions for high-quality achievement of defined strategic objectives and timely adoption of adequate corrective measures.
CdM: You mentioned strategic objectives. What are your expectations regarding their achievement?
Ms Mijušković: The strategic document we are talking about sets strategic and operational objectives with accompanying indicators of success, as well as Action plan which clearly defines activities aimed to contribute to the achievement of these objectives. Strategic objectives are the following: increase in the contribution of maritime economy and related activities to the overall economic development; strengthening maritime administration of Montenegro and simplifying administrative procedures; greater engagement of civil sector and particularly non-government associations in all processes that precede adoption of strategic decisions, normative acts, proposals for systemic solutions for overcoming challenges in the sector of maritime economy.
We are aware that these objectives and activities are pretty high but I hold that with joint efforts of administration, economy, associations, NGO sector, education institutions etc.we can make significant contribution.
The message I think is very important to convey is that every segment in this chain is equally important and we must all know that. Guided by that acknowledgement, we have defined our objectives and I can tell we are very satisfied with the response of all factors of maritime economy in the procedure of the development of the document.
Not an easy task
We are aware that the task ahead of us is not easy at all and that there will always be those who will doubt our best intentions. The period in which we are supposed to implement activities defined by the Strategy will give us chance to make contribution and be active factors of the incoming process.
CdM: Judging by your previous answer, we can conclude that engagement of public is of paramount importance in this process. Is that correct?
Ms Mijušković: Yes. We have submitted a tender for the public and asked it to deliver initial proposals and suggestions that we could consider and put those that can be justified in the strategic document.
CdM: What are the most important results that the Strategy should produce?
Ms Mijušković: Vision of the Strategy implies that, by 2030, Montenegro will have restored its image of traditionally maritime country, with significantly strengthened and competitive maritime economy whose development is based on the principles of sustainability.
Contribution to the economic development of Montenegro
As such, Montenegrin maritime economy, which encompasses all sub-sectors of the blue economy, contributes to the economic development of Montenegro. Competitiveness of legal entities is significantly improved, a great number of infrastructure projects have been carried out. Port infrastructure projects which will establish grounds for the positioning of the port Bar as port of regional importance have also been carried out. Port infrastructure in ports connected to the hinterland via modern road and railway infrastructure will contribute to increase in economic activities and flows of goods.
Shipbuilding ports in MNE are recognized in the Mediterranean as ports that provide services of construction and overhaul of yachts and mega-yachts according to the highest world standards. National maritime cluster that joins all factors of maritime economy has been formed.
CdM: Activity referring to the construction of the new container terminal in Bar has caught public’s attention. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
Ms Mijušković: When we are referring to the project of the construction of new container terminal in Bar, it’s important to know that Spatial plan of special purpose for coastal zone of Montenegro defines the manner of organization and modes of use of the Coastal zone, as well as functions and zones for specific purposes in space. The main inter-modal terminal in Coastal region of Montenegro is planned in Port Bar.
Feasibility and characteristics of the container terminal are yet to be defined, given the fact that this project needs to be further elaborated and adapted to the real potentials of Montenegro’s maritime economy.
Additionally, although the potential of this project is beyond dispute, the period defined for the creation of conditions for the construction of container terminal is by 2030, not 2025 as one could hear.
Without trying to undermine the importance of this project, I have to point out that Strategy defines many other activities which do not imply direct investments abut are just as important. For that reason, I would like the public to engage in monitoring these activities.
I will name just some of them: improvement of the efficiency and quality in provision of primary port services with the aim of ensuring competitiveness of Montenegrin ports, putting abandoned or unused port infrastructures into function, establishment of Montenegrin maritime cluster, development of Action plan that will define activities aimed at improving working and legal status of Montenegrin seafarers.
Realization of FDI
We have also envisaged activities which will contribute to increasing efficiency of public sector in attracting FDI in maritime economy and establishing attractive business climate in that context. A special working body will be formed and it will be tasked with promoting investment potentials of Montenegrin economy in the country and abroad. We will bolster investments in the construction of new ports of nautical tourism and we will try to create conditions for balanced distribution of the accommodation of ships on cruise trips between trade ports of national importance.
Activities are numerous. I would take this opportunity and call on the interested public to get to know the Strategy better. You can download it from the web page of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs. I call on the public to make contribution, be our partner and feel free to initiate cooperation.
