Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – It was concluded at a business forum in Pula that economic relations between Montenegro and Croatia are stable and continuously growing, although there is room for stronger cooperation, particularly in tourism, maritime affairs, agriculture, and services.

The forum was organized by the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), in cooperation with the Pula County Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the Embassy of Montenegro in Croatia and within the framework of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

“On the eve of the forum, the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence was marked with an appropriate cultural and artistic programme, along with the exhibition ‘Consular Representations of Montenegro 1880–1914’,” the PKCG said in a press release.

PKCG President Nina Drakic said that total trade exchange between the two countries is approaching €240 million, with Croatia consistently accounting for around five percent of Montenegro’s total trade.

“At the same time, investments from Croatia, which have exceeded €60 million in recent years, confirm the confidence Croatian investors have in the Montenegrin market. Nevertheless, it is clear that there is room for much stronger cooperation, particularly in areas where our economies are naturally complementary — tourism, maritime affairs, agriculture, and services,” Drakic said.

Secretary General of the Pula County Chamber, Ticiana Trost Kozaljan, stated that according to Croatian National Bank, Croatia invested €388.5 million in Montenegro from 1993 through last year, placing Montenegro ninth among destinations for Croatian foreign investments.

“Tourism is one of the most important segments of cooperation with strong potential for further development, as confirmed by the continuous growth in tourist arrivals and overnight stays,” Trost Kozaljan said.

the introductory presentations were followed by B2B meetings between Montenegrin and Istrian business representatives.