Japan is working to boost the number of investments by Japanese companies in Montenegro, stated Ambassador Akira Imamura during a meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Zdenka Popović.
“I have reached out to 16 Japanese companies operating in Europe. The Daido Metal factory in Kotor is an example of a successful investment,” Imamura said.
He also noted that tourism is crucial in Japan, just as it is in Montenegro. The Japanese government plans to send an expert to provide Montenegro with valuable advice and share experiences.
Imamura shared that economic cooperation with Montenegro is facilitated through an initiative focused on the Western Balkans, emphasizing three areas: private sector development, economic and social cooperation, and environmental protection.
Popović expressed her strong interest in collaborating with Japan, highlighting that Japan is renowned for its green and digital economies, which are essential for Montenegro.
“Montenegro needs to acquire as much knowledge as possible from Japan, as knowledge is the most valuable resource,” Popović stated.
She pointed out that Montenegro has significant tourism potential, but realizing this potential requires the implementation of planned infrastructure investments.
Imamura mentioned Japan’s interest in infrastructure development in Montenegro and reminded that a Japanese company had connected Montenegro and Italy via an underwater power cable.
Popović acknowledged nearly two decades of excellent cooperation between Japan and Montenegro and welcomed the initiative to establish a committee for planning a jubilee celebration.
She also mentioned that Montenegro will soon appoint an ambassador to Japan and highlighted that Seiđi Hanji has already been designated as honorary consul. Popović expressed interest in increasing parliamentary cooperation and collaboration with Japan’s Women’s Club.
Imamura noted that Montenegro’s Parliament has made significant progress in advancing freedoms, human rights, and EU accession processes, and agreed on the need to enhance cooperation between Montenegro and Japan at all levels.
Both Imamura and Popović agreed on the need to promptly initiate the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group between Montenegro and Japan and to start discussions on lifting the visa regime for Montenegrin citizens wishing to visit Japan.
Imamura also mentioned that less than ten percent of women in Japan hold decision-making positions and suggested that Japan could benefit from Montenegro’s experience in this area.
Popović offered to share Montenegro’s experience with its Women’s Club through parliamentary collaboration once the friendship group is established and to foster cooperation with Japan’s Women’s Club.
