Malta's expertise in a number of sectors and its experience in a successful EU accession provide Montenegro and Malta with ample opportunity for future collaboration.
This resulted from a meeting held between Tonio Casapinta, vice president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and Velimir Mijuskovic, president of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro during the State Visit of the President of Malta in Montenegro last week.
"Montenegro and Malta are two diverse countries, which also share some commonalities including the population size, which bring them closer," Mr Casapinta said.
Other areas which are ripe for collaboration are the English language teaching industry as well as the possibility of joint ventures in health tourism, arbitration and mediation, as well as alternative energy projects.
During the meeting, both parties expressed their intent to consolidate relations between both Chambers and re-activate the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed between them in 2010 identifying specific sectors of interest to both countries.
The lack of air-links between the two countries was also raised at the meeting as this factor is seen as a barrier in the expansion of trade relations between the two countries.
A follow-up incoming Montenegrin trade mission to Malta, through the framework of the European Enterprise Network, will be organised in reciprocation.
Lino Mintoff, head of the Projects and Internationalisation Desk of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Pavle Radovanovic, secretary general of the Montenegro Chamber attended the meeting.
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Courtesy visit
Following the presentation of his credentials to the President of Malta, the Ambassador of Montenegro Antun Sbutega carried out a courtesy visit to the Malta Chamber.
Welcoming the Ambassador Mr Casapinta, explained the structures and how the Malta Chamber works, with an accent on its internationalisation efforts.
Mr Sbutega underlined the excellent relations between Malta and Montenegro and how they both hold immense potential for collaboration.
The meeting was also attended by Mr Mintoff.