27 February 2019 - On February 27, Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković opened a new factory of carbonated water “Rada“ in Bijelo Polje. On that occasion, the PM said that this is a factory that will contribute to the growth of the economy and production and that will substitute the import of carbonated water amounting to nearly 8 million EUR. He added that the saved money will remain in the country's economic system and contribute to the development of a better standard and that the Government is showing that it opens new, high-quality and sustainable jobs and makes the best use of the vast natural potentials.
"A little over two years ago, I promised workers that we will find ways to compensate for the unpaid salaries, to link years of service and to provide severance payments. Also, I promised that the State will do everything to find an investor and start production. I felt then that they did not believe me; not even the citizens of Bijelo Polje. This Government ceded its claim of 280.000 EUR to pay salaries and severance payments to workers, while also securing 576.000 EUR to link years of service for the former employees to Bjelasica Rada," the Prime Minister said. He added that the entire project was supported by the Water Group Company from Kolašin, not only in terms of the money they invested but also in terms of their motivation, enthusiasm, capability, and know-how.
"Guided by this, they have built this factory, launched products based on state-of-the-art equipment and technology. I want to thank them and congratulate them. The new factory which is in front of us will contribute to the growth of our economy. With this production, we substitute imports of carbonated water amounting to nearly 8 million EUR, and that money remains in our economic system and contributes to the development and a better living standard," the Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković explained.
Marković also pointed out that over the past two years, the Government has shown that it can reach and exceed the expected rates of economic growth, even to the most persistent critics.
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Milutin Simović, Minister of the Interior Mevludin Nuhodžić, Bijelo Polje Municipality President Petar Smolović and President of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro Vlastimir Golubović.
The former Bjelo Polje giant - Rada, whose reputation of quality transcended the borders of Montenegro, returns to the domestic market with old quality, but a new visual identity. Four million euros were invested in the reconstruction of the factory and the associated infrastructure.
