The latest destination sparking vast interest and admiration from investors.
Montenegro shines at the peak of opportunity as it takes its biggest leap towards completing its integration process to join the EU by 2025. Already a NATO member, Montenegro also uses the euro as its currency and is in the process of integrating EU legislation into national law.
The recent successful closing of negotiation chapters with the EU has not only propelled Montenegro closer to becoming part of the Union, but it has further established confidence with major investors within the booming nation. Opening the EU negotiations, according to Prime Minister Duško Marković, represents an essential process of changes in the country, as well as in society.
“Over the past thirty years, the European perspective of the Western Balkans has never been more certain, and the Balkans have never been in a better position.” said PM Marković
Montenegro has been at the forefront of focus and support from the European Union over the past few years, and in the meantime has also become the recipient to generous investments from other countries seeking new opportunities.
The UAE, being the largest foreign investor in Montenegro, contributed €92.8M to the nation in the last 11 months alone, in addition to previously investing an estimated €200M in Porto Montenegro in Tivat, and €140M in Capital Plaza Centre in Podgorica. Russia ranks second as a foreign direct investor with €54.7M and Italy following closely with a €47.5M investment.
As one of the fastest growing economies in the Balkans, Montenegro is also quickly becoming a key destination for the UHNW with their newly launched Citizenship-by-Investment Program (CIP). Joining the ever-expanding list of countries seeking to attract foreign direct investments through CIPs, Montenegro also has one of the fastest-growing passports, currently ranked 37th in the world by The Passport Index. Its ranking is expected to rise significantly with its upcoming accession into the European Union.
Home to one of the world’s most spectacular yachting harbors, Porto Montenegro, which was acquired by Investment Corporation of Dubai for over US$200M, the south has become one of the finest luxury destinations in the region, with luxury brands such as Regent and Aman Resorts. With Montenegro’s prominent natural beauty and sophistication, tourism in the north has also begun to play a vital role for the nation, from their famous Lake Skadar to the beauty of mountainous Kolasin.
In addition to Montenegro’s rise in popularity, British Airways also recently announced a direct London-Tivat-London line. Seizing global attention has played an important role in reinforcing Montenegro’s international image, which has since recorded a great number of tourists, notably coming from Great Britain. British Airways confirms that they will operate flights two times a week, and the airline will be fully active during the next summer season.
According to the World Bank, Montenegro is one of the fastest growing economies in the Balkans and is quickly becoming a key destination for some of the most important industries around the world due to its strategic position. As a young state, it truly offers a unique potential for investors seeking mobility, safety, security, opportunity, and increased quality of life.