Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Prime Minister Dusko Markovic has said that digitalization is one of the preconditions for development and strengthening of competition and modern society, which brings huge potentials, adding that Montenegro is actively working towards achieving the goals set out in Digital Agenda for Western Balkans.
After a meeting with European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel, he said that a considerable progress has been made in the field of enhancement of innovativeness, e-government, broadband internet access and digitalization of business processes in the economy.
“In this day and age, digitalization is one of the preconditions for development and strengthening of competitiveness of the economy and modern society, which brings great potentials for Montenegro and the rest of the region,” Markovic said at a press conference.
He added that capacity development in the field of cyber security, carried out in cooperation with EU and NATO member states, was one of the important aspects of digital era.
Gabriel said that Digital Agenda for Western Balkans was important for countries of the region, given the challenges they were facing.
“I came to hear and exchange views and further strengthen digital collaboration. I would like to congratulate Montenegro on being the first state to have joined the ISA2 programme on May 29 this year,” said Gabriel, adding that the programme was important for ensuring better digital public services and cross-border interoperability.
She reiterated that Digital Agenda for Western Balkans was launched in 2017 and that it included an idea of reducing roaming rates in the countries of the region.
Gabriel said that Digital Agenda was a comprehensive plan for improving the everyday lives of citizens, aimed at providing support to the Western Balkan region in order to carry out its digital transformation.
According to her, Montenegro plays this important role as one of the leaders of the EU accession process.
Gabriel believes that Montenegro plays an important role as a forerunner in the EU accession process.
Markovic said that he expected from the EU to recognize Montenegro’s efforts and hard work on the fulfillment of closing benchmarks for negotiating chapter 10 – Information society and media.
“We believe that our European partners will conclude in the coming period that we are ready to open the remaining two chapters,” said Markovic.
He said that Montenegro was ready to open chapter 27 – Environment during the Austrian presidency, and start the process of closing the negotiating chapters.
Longer version of article is available on a link MINA ENGLISH SERVIS
