Spajić meets with Bjerde: When country loses Its people, it loses its identity

When a country loses its people, it also loses its identity. That is why responsible policies are essential to anticipate negative consequences in a timely manner and prevent emigration, said Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, during a meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić in Bangkok.

In that regard, the Prime Minister presented the Government’s new Euro Model programme, aimed at improving citizens’ living standards by increasing the minimum salary while reducing the tax burden on labour. As he noted, this approach simultaneously strengthens workers’ position and the competitiveness of the economy.

Population outflows have consequences that go beyond the economy, because a country that loses its people also loses part of its identity, Bjerde stated, adding that responsible policies must be implemented in a timely manner to anticipate negative consequences and prevent emigration. The World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people and applying new technologies to increase productivity.

The meeting also addressed cooperation in developing energy capacities and making the most of Montenegro’s tourism potential. While discussing the future development of Montenegro’s airports and their importance for the country’s accessibility and tourism competitiveness, interest was expressed in advisory and potential financial support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasised that the Government’s ambition is for Montenegro, drawing on domestic expertise, its European perspective and its development potential, to become an example of successful development among small countries.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions in the coming period through close cooperation between specialised teams, focusing on potential projects that would contribute to further socio-economic progress.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Finance Novica Vuković.