28 January 2019 - A platform for cooperation of border services in the Western Balkans represents one of the initiatives that will enable stronger cross-border cooperation and establishing frameworks for more efficient sharing of information among the customs administrations. It will contribute to greater security of a society and protection of the countries’ financial interests. These were the outcomes of the meeting of the heads of customs services in the region, hosted by the Customs Administration of Montenegro.
“The meeting represented the continuation of agreements reached at the London Summit in July 2018,” the Administration stated.
The United Kingdom Ambassador to Montenegro, Alison Kemp, and head of the Customs Administration, Vladan Joković, delivered their welcome speeches at the opening of the meeting.
The latest debate on chapter 29 - Customs Union discussed that in the area of customs policy, Montenegro has largely harmonised its legislation with the European one, and the modernization of the customs service will remain a priority this year, so that, with a higher volume of international trade and raising the standard of living, Montenegrin society would be safe.
Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Drljević reminded that Montenegro opened negotiations at the end of 2014 on Chapter 29 and that three final criteria for closing this chapter were defined. They are related to further harmonisation with European legislation and its application, as well as the progress achieved in the development of interconnected IT systems, which is a significant challenge.
"When it comes to Montenegrin business people and entrepreneurs, removing customs barriers will give an opportunity for unhindered product placement, which will facilitate the export of domestic goods to the market of about 500 million consumers. Networking of business entities and an increase in exports will positively affect the trade balance and the overall business environment in Montenegro. On the other hand, our citizens will have access to better quality products from EU countries at significantly lower prices due to increased competitiveness," Drljević concluded.
