Maja Vukićević, the Minister of Transport, stated in an interview on Gradska RTV’s “Epicentar” that eight companies from China, Turkey and Azerbaijan have applied for the tender to build the second section of the highway. Among these is the Chinese company CRBC, which constructed the first section. She noted that four companies are now in the running for the highway construction.
“The tender is being conducted according to the rules of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which will finance the project. The selection will depend on the tender conditions,” Vukićević explained, adding that part of the funding has been secured through EU loans and the national budget.
The Minister mentioned that statistically, the Chinese CRBC might have a good chance of being awarded the contract for the second section, emphasizing that the final decision will hinge on the tender conditions.
She pointed out that the state company Monteput initiated the tender before she took office as Minister of Transport.
“The company CCCC, the parent company of CRBC, also submitted a bid, but the selection will depend on whether they meet the requirements,” she stated.
Vukićević anticipates that construction of the second section of the Bar-Boljare highway will resume next year, with all work expected to be completed on schedule.
While acknowledging that her political party previously criticized the construction of the first highway section, she clarified that the criticism was focused on the project’s execution.
“We opposed the manner in which it was handled. Let’s remember the ‘forgotten’ loop that cost over a hundred million. This project has been surrounded by many controversies,” Vukićević said, stressing the need for thorough investigation.
The Minister confirmed that the planned deadline for completing the highway to the Serbian border is 2030, but noted that unforeseen issues could arise that might affect timelines.
“In any case, we will bind the contractor through the contract to complete the work within five years, and they will be obliged to finish the second section in that timeframe,” she explained.
Responding to comments about the irony of European funding being used for a Chinese-built highway in Montenegro, Vukićević emphasized that the tender was open to all interested parties.
“This tender was issued and concluded before I became Minister. Even if I had been in position, I wouldn’t have had any influence over the tender issued by Monteput under EBRD rules. Anyone could apply, but why they didn’t is another question. One company from Bangladesh applied but was disqualified for not meeting the criteria,” she noted.
When asked about public skepticism towards Chinese companies, Vukićević pointed out that Chinese firms have successfully undertaken projects in EU countries, including neighboring Croatia, which is not unusual.
“The most important thing is that the tender was open to everyone. The outcome is as it is. I believe we will ultimately select a contractor and sign a construction agreement. Montenegro’s priority is to continue the highway construction and complete the project as soon as possible,” she concluded.
Discussing the government’s ambitious plan for building highways and roads, Vukićević indicated that a significant portion of the funding will come from the Western Balkans fund, some from EBRD loans, and the rest from national resources.
