At the conference “Transition in the Western Balkans: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises for a Net-Zero Economy” during COP29, Nenad Vitomirović, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Development, stressed the importance of providing adequate support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ensure a successful green transition.
“SMEs are the foundation of our economies and employ a significant portion of the workforce in the Western Balkans. Their role in achieving sustainable development and climate targets is essential, but it also presents considerable challenges. Unfortunately, many SMEs struggle to quickly adapt to new, environmentally friendly production methods due to a lack of resources, access to technology, and financial support,” Vitomirović explained.
He highlighted that a fair green transition is crucial, ensuring that SMEs—like all other sectors—have access to equal opportunities and resources to transition to sustainable business practices without losing their competitive edge.
Vitomirović emphasized that the government’s policy is focused on creating an environment where SMEs are empowered, rather than marginalized, to become key drivers of the green transition. The goal is to implement gradual changes that won’t threaten their survival.
“We aim to contribute to building a just, inclusive, and economically stable future for all. SMEs are the backbone of Montenegro’s economy, and their fair transition is essential to the sustainability of our economy,” he concluded.
During the event, discussions also focused on the significant challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in low- and middle-income countries as they strive to decarbonize their operations. The conference also explored how partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society can accelerate this transition.
The conference delved into the role of national governments in supporting SMEs’ shift to low-carbon business models and the policies needed to incentivize private sector engagement in climate action. The discussions also explored measures that can be taken to ensure that international trade efforts align with the realities of SMEs and strategies to mitigate potential risks as businesses prepare for future environmental compliance.
The ultimate goal of the conference was to identify ways to bridge the gap between climate policies and the practical challenges faced on the ground in the Western Balkans and other low- and middle-income countries. The event facilitated the exchange of experiences and insights from the private sector, governments, and development stakeholders.
