Styria cooperates with Montenegro

Led by Deputy Governor Manuela Khom and accompanied by Herbert Ritter, Vice President of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO Styria), a high-level Styrian delegation from politics, business, science and education visited Montenegro. Those represented included, among others, the Internationalisation Center Styria, the two cluster organisations Green Tech Valley and the Wood Cluster Styria, as well as companies and educational institutions.

The aim of the trip was to deepen bilateral relations and identify new cooperation and business opportunities in view of Montenegro’s planned accession to the EU. The delegation was accompanied and supported by H.E. Ambassador Christian Steiner and Trade Commissioner Jürgen Schreder, who provided valuable insights into the country’s economic and political developments.

A key outcome of the trip was the signing of a partnership agreement between the Province of Styria and Montenegro, as well as a “Memorandum of Understanding” between the Styrian Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro. This created the basis for closer cooperation in the areas of business, research, education, energy and European integration.

As part of ministerial talks, company visits and a business forum, concrete potential for Styrian companies was explored. There is particularly strong interest in Montenegro in know-how and technologies in the fields of environmental technology, water management, renewable energy, waste & recycling and infrastructure development. The topics of timber and forestry also offer interesting starting points for future cooperation. The trip confirmed that, as a future EU member, Montenegro faces extensive investments and adjustments to European standards. With its economic and technological expertise, Styria can actively support this transformation process while also opening up new market opportunities for Styrian companies.