Montenegro, China strengthen cooperation at BRI conference

BELGRADE -- A conference on the Belt and Road Initiative was held in Podgorica on Thursday, emphasizing China as one of Montenegro's key foreign trade partners.

The event focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism, according to local media reports.

Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister for Infrastructure, Milun Zogovic, underscored the importance of continuing the construction of the highway connecting Montenegro to Europe, a project initiated under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Zogovic also highlighted China's role as a vital trade partner for Montenegro, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and tourism, supported by economic and technical cooperation agreements.

Lu Fangqing, Charge d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Montenegro, emphasized the progress of joint projects in renewable energy. "There is vast potential for green development between our countries," she said.

Business leader Vasilije Kostic stressed the need for Montenegro to focus on renewable energy projects, noting that China's expertise in producing electric vehicles and lithium batteries could benefit Montenegro's development.

The conference also touched on the role of Chinese tourists in Montenegro's economy, with data showing that 38,500 Chinese tourists visited the country in 2023, slightly fewer than pre-pandemic levels.