August 12, 2020 - The Government of Montenegro, at the proposal of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, has adopted the Strategy for the Development of the Maritime Economy 2020-2030, together with the Action Plan 2020-2021.
Until now, no sectoral strategic document has been drafted to recognize and adequately valorize the development potential of this economic sector.
The Strategy's goal is to recognize and precisely define development directions for Montenegro's maritime economy sector.
The drafting of this document, as emphasized by the Government, seeks to strengthen the maritime economy sector's role in the development and competitiveness of Montenegro through a clearly defined naval policy and sustainable development initiatives.
Blue economy
During the Development of the Maritime Economy Development Strategy, viewed through the prism of the "blue economy," not only are the primary segments of the maritime economy such as shipping and marine transport services, shipbuilding, port infrastructure, port services, and human resources promoted, but also all other related activities.
The blue economy encompasses all economic activities related to the sea or coastal areas. It includes sectors such as fisheries, nautical tourism, hydrocarbon exploration, and production, as well as emerging industries, such as marine biotechnology.
-The blue economy implies the use of marine resources to develop economic activities in a way that is acceptable for the environment, i.e., the marine ecosystem. Special attention is paid to activities aimed at strengthening administrative capacities and creating preconditions to deliver on the pre-defined strategic goals, as well as timely adoption of appropriate corrective measures - the Government explains.
Action plan
The drafting of an Action Plan is also envisaged, which will encompass activities for the further improvement and updating of the Maritime Information System, i.e. the electronic databases on seafarers, maritime documents issued, and authorizations on training and sailing experience. Also possible is the revision of the criteria and methods of monitoring educational institutions dealing with seafarers' education, as well as training centers for seafarers; harmonization of competencies between the competent Ministries regarding the education, training, social and health care of seafarers. Alongside these, the plan will also include the development of employment programs for maritime trainees on domestic and foreign ships, and the inclusion of seafarers in the national system of social and health care, following the example of other naval countries.
The Strategy was adopted after a public debate in which business entities, professional associations, non-governmental stakeholders, educational institutions, and individuals participated. This ensured that the process was of the highest quality, and based on cooperation between the lead of the strategic document, and interested public entities and individuals, reads the Ministry's statement on the document adopted on July 31.
