The modern economy of today which, besides other things, is characterized by the upward trend of integration puts at the first place the question of competitiveness.

Competitiveness, defined as a measure of capability of a country to produce goods and services on free and equal market conditions which are tested at the international markets, is also the interest of Montenegro.

The development of Montenegro cannot be based only on advantages such as cheap labor force and natural resources .Economic theory and practice of today recognizes the high level of education, developed infrastructure, high technology and innovation as a starting ground for economic growth and development.

Although being different in their social roles and positions, the private and public sector are yet interconnected in the creation of a competitive economy.

The Union of Employers of Montenegro sees the strengthening of competitiveness of Montenegrin economy as strategic orientation, beginning from the level of an individual enterprise to the national level as whole.

Montenegro has to define its strategy for economic development in increasing quality and, based on that, it must define its competitive advantages and compare them with its surrounding area and a region as a whole.

To achieve this, the Montenegrin Union of Employers proposes the formation of National Committee for Competition which will act as an independent advisory body, which would gather the representatives of businesses, Government, Trade Unions, Scientific and Educational Institutions. The Committee is expected to stimulate the dialog between the private and public sector, to increase the level of awareness and knowledge about the importance of competitiveness, to work on achievement of consensus about main economic topics which Montenegro deals with, to perceive advantages and shortcomings of Montenegrin economy, to recommend and monitor the politics and measures which will contribute to the improvement of productivity-competitiveness of Montenegro.

Beside other things, in the first phase, the Committee is expected to deal with the following key areas: education, rule of law, cost and price competitiveness, innovative approach and technology, SME development and regional development.

This initiative of MUE is based on the experience of other countries which are on the way of transition.

We, members of MUE, believe that the growing of competitiveness of Montenegrin economy is one of the pillars of our development and we shall do our best to persist in realization of this idea.

Therefore, the Union of Employers invites the Trade Unions, Government, scientific institutions and also the Montenegrin public and media to support it in realization of this initiative in order to achieve better perspectives of all of us together. 

Managing Board of MUE

Podgorica 10.XII.2004