The President of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, Dr. Nina Drakić, opened the Montenegro 2025 Economic Conference in Budva under the theme “Regional Economies in Today’s Challenges”, emphasizing that the conference, held continuously since 2010, has become a key regional forum for dialogue between businesses, experts, and policymakers.
Drakić highlighted that despite global challenges, the Western Balkans remain in a growth zone, with the World Bank projecting an average GDP growth of 3.2% in 2025 and potential increases to 3.5% in coming years. Inflation, previously a major challenge, is declining across the region.
She stressed that labor markets face structural imbalances, including the outflow of skilled workers and demographic shifts, making it urgent to strengthen human capital. Education systems must align with economic needs, with digital, technical, and green skills integrated into curricula. She also noted shortages in low-skilled labor, with small economies largely dependent on imported workforce, often hampered by lengthy bureaucratic procedures.
Drakić underlined the importance of regional integration, cooperation, and joint projects—from infrastructure to digital connectivity, energy, and agriculture—as essential for expanding markets, fostering growth, and attracting investment. She called for predictable business environments, stable legislation, simplified administrative procedures, and digital transformation to enhance competitiveness.
Highlighting Montenegro’s integration into the SEPA euro payment area, Drakić emphasized that the financial system now aligns more closely with European standards, opening new opportunities for Montenegrin companies and demonstrating regional progress in European integration even before formal EU membership.
The conference also aimed to inspire through success stories of entrepreneurs who create jobs, innovate, and contribute to their communities, emphasizing that true business success extends beyond profit to social and community impact.