At the initiative of the ambassador of Turkiye in Montenegro, Bariš Kalkavan, TurkCham Montenegro opened a session for representatives of institutions from Montenegro and business people from the field of mining and energy.

“There are many investors interested in investing in Montenegro’s energy sector, and they have many questions,” Genc said.

As he said, they had the opportunity to address those questions directly to Mujović at the session.

“Investors are looking for a guarantee for the price and sale, but they are interested in Montenegro because there are about 240 sunny days a year, sometimes even 260 such days. They are very interested in investing in solar and renewable energy,” said Genc.

The Ministry said that the meeting was an opportunity for Mujović to familiarize himself with the activities of TurkCham with the member companies and exchange experiences to come up with more productive solutions for improving the energy transition process.

Mujović said that he is honoured to have the opportunity to provide a modest contribution and participate in strengthening friendly and economic ties between Montenegro and Turkiye. 

“The paths that lead us to each other have been established for a long time; they are well-trodden paths, which we should use for joint action to solve the problems of the modern age. And problems and challenges – never again. Energy transition is one of them”, said Mujović.

He stated that the transition is not a question of how to replace a thermal power plant with a solar or wind power plant but a complex process that requires the transformation of the entire social and economic system, as well as the retraining of the workforce and all activities to avoid social unrest.

“The energy transition is for the good of all of us, but it is also an attack on all of us, especially on the ruling structures, which are expected to use a magic wand and find a solution to difficult challenges overnight,” Mujović said.

As he pointed out, Turkiye can be a great example.

“It is a country of exceptional natural potential, but also a country that knows how to protect its resources, which is on the right path to establishing a sustainable system. This is the scenario I see and want in Montenegro”, announced Mujović.

He added that he was particularly impressed by Turkiye’s results in using geothermal energy.

Mujović believes that Montenegro also has this kind of potential, so Turkiye’s support in conducting research would be significant.

“I used the opportunity and invited the representatives of Turkish companies to show interest in Montenegrin business entities, especially those failing giants. Our Government would like to return them to the old paths of success, but also to start new production chains and create conditions for our citizens’ new employment,” said Mujović.

The Ministry said that encouraging messages, big announcements from interested Turkish investors, and clear messages and questions regarding the problems faced by Turkish investors in the previous period could be heard at the TurkCham Montenegro session.

“Turkish investors want a clean situation, a state of law, justice and rights. This Government strives for that, and it is clear that these are key assumptions in attracting foreign investors. We have to provide what is requested”, said Mujović.

The announcement states that Turkish investors have a great interest in Montenegro, evidenced by over six thousand Turkish companies being established in the country, of which about a thousand are currently active.

“That’s why the business people behind those companies decided to form TurkCham Montenegro ten months ago,” the announcement says.

Kalkavan said they are happy to have increased the investment plan for Montenegro by almost EUR 120 million in just ten months.

“Energy and mining are sectors in which we are already involved, but we want to increase our presence. We are currently engaged in mining activities near Nikšić and have new investments in a power plant powered by solar energy,” said Kalkavan, the honorary president of TurkCham Montenegro.

The Ministry said that 13 new companies joined the Turkish Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro, so that community now has 27 members, and the plan is to increase the number to more than 50 members in the next year.

“Therefore, it is even more significant that the dialogues between representatives of the Government of Montenegro and TurkCham Montenegro as a growing chamber of commerce have been initiated,” the announcement states.