22 April 2019 - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will, after a feasibility study, decide on the co-financing of the Mateševo-Andrijevica motorway section.
This information was announced by the president of this institution Sir Suma Chakrabarti during an interview for TVCG. He also added that the EBRD is also prepared to finance the future concessionaire of the Airports of Montenegro.
The European Bank supports the efforts of the Government of Montenegro to improve the environment for business and investment. However, the grey economy must be reduced, and this also requires tax reduction.
"Energy, transport, infrastructure and the private sector - these are areas where we still want to invest. We are pleased that we can help Montenegro make the private sector more capable of fighting competition, and therefore achieve easier integration. We also support the efforts of the Government to improve the environment for business and investment, "he said.
The first section of the motorway is coming to an end, and preparations for the construction of the remaining sections are on-going. Chakrabarti commented on the plans to participate in the financing of the project of the century - the Bar-Boljare motorway: "Our bank has already helped to prepare the preliminary design of two sections of the motorway, as well as a feasibility study for the entire highway. After the assessment is finished, we will issue a final decision on co-financing and providing help to Montenegro for the Mateševo - Andrijevica section".
Given that the European Bank is taking into consideration the development of road infrastructure, Chakrabarti revealed that the Airports of Montenegro are also in their focus.
"We are ready to consider the financing of the winners on the tender, which will be awarded the concession for Airports of Montenegro," he said.
Suma Chakrabarti also spoke about the methods to reduce and mitigate the negative effects of the grey economy: "During the conversations with business representatives, I have been told that high taxes are a huge burden that puts pressure on local companies. They also mentioned the Labour Law, as well as the necessity of improving skills. You need to focus on these areas to prevent the negative effects of the grey economy".
