Press release following Cabinet meeting

Published date: 14.12.2006 18:14 | Author: Naslovna strana

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At todays Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Zeljsko Sturanovic, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Proposal of the 2007 Economic Policy. The next years development projection includes a continuation of reform processes and economic and social transformation in the direction of achieving Montenegros strategic commitment to EU and euro-Atlantic integration. The main objective of the economic policy is to continue the countrys dynamic economic growth and reinforce the economys competitive capacity, which would enable a real GDP growth of 6% and keep the expected inflation at around 3%. These goals will be reached through further development of entrepreneurial initiative, including a faster development of systemic infrastructure required for achieving more economic liberty and promoting the competitiveness and openness of the system. In addition, next year is expected to see a considerable inflow of investment into new development projects, and a powerful multiplying effect on the mobilization of local capacities, resources and qualified workforce.

The Government adopted the Bill on the Control of State Support, unifying regulations on state support, based on the principles of market economy, and with a view to preserving competitiveness and meeting international obligations. The Bill provides for general terms and requirements for the award, control of use, subsequent award and refund of state support.

Todays meeting also adopted the Consumer Protection Bill, which, for the first time as a separate legislation, defined the fundamental rights in the field of consumer protection concerning the purchase of products and the use of services. The new legislation provides for the general rules safeguarding the lives and health of consumers, their economic interest and the right to information.

In addition, the Government endorsed the Draft Law on Forest Reproductive Materials, together with a Public Debate Program. The alignment of this area with relevant EU regulations, as well as systemic regulation of issues referring to production, trade and quality of forest reproductive materials used in Montenegro, are the main reasons for producing the new legislation.

Following a public debate, the Government adopted the Strategy for the Development of Fisheries in Montenegro and Capacity Strengthening for the Implementation of the EUs Common Fisheries Policy. The main purpose of the new document is to redefine the existing fisheries policy in line with the requirements of integration processes and develop a sustainable and efficient sector, competitive in a wider market.

The Government also considered a number of other issues within its competence.