The day before the forum, a cultural and artistic program marked the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's independence with the exhibition "Consular Representations of Montenegro 1880-1914." organized by the State Archives of Montenegro, the Embassy of Montenegro in Croatia, the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro and the Council of the Montenegrin National Minority of the City of Pula. The singing section of the Peroj Montenegrin Association "Peroj 1657" participated in the cultural and artistic program, while the lyrics were recited by the Montenegrin actor Momčilo Otašević.
Dejan Vuković, Ambassador of Montenegro to Croatia, emphasized: "In addition to connecting businessmen and strengthening economic relations between the two countries, with the appropriate cultural event "Consular Representations of Montenegro 1880-1914." we presented the history of Montenegrin diplomacy, affirmed the centuries-old independence of Montenegro, and at the same time paid attention to the Montenegrin community in terms of preserving their national and cultural identity in this developed part of the Republic of Croatia, which also cherishes a strong, centuries-old multinational character. We also solemnly marked the Independence Day of Montenegro on May 21 in Istria."
The business forum was opened by Dr. Nina Drakić, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, who pointed out: "Economic relations between our countries are stable and continuously growing. Total trade in goods is approaching 240 million euros, with Croatia's constant share of around 5% in Montenegro's total trade. At the same time, investments from Croatia, which have exceeded 60 million euros in the last few years, confirm the confidence that Croatian investors have in the Montenegrin market. However, it is clear that there is room for much stronger connections, especially in areas where our economies are naturally complementary - tourism, shipping, agriculture and services."
President Drakić emphasized that Pula and Istria have another special value in relations with Montenegro – a strong and authentic historical and cultural connection. “The Montenegrin community in Peroj, which has existed since the 17th century, represents a unique example of preserving identity and lasting ties between our regions. This connection is not just symbolic – it is alive and represents a strong foundation for further connections, not only in culture, but also in the economy and tourism.”
President Drakić took the opportunity to thank Croatia as a strong and sincere partner of Montenegro, which has continuously provided support to Montenegro, as the most advanced candidate for membership in the European Union. “Our competitiveness is based on a stable business environment, a euroized economy, a competitive tax system and openness to investments. This is confirmed by the presence of numerous Croatian companies that have already recognized the potential of Montenegro as a market for growth and development.”
The Secretary General of the Pula County Chamber, Ticiana Trošt Kožaljan, pointed out that, according to data from the Croatian National Bank, the Republic of Croatia invested 388.5 million euros in Montenegro in the period from 1993 to 2025, which places Montenegro in 9th place among the destinations of Croatian investments abroad. She particularly focused on the field of tourism: "Tourism is one of the
"the most important segments of cooperation with great potential for further development, which is confirmed by the continuous growth of tourist arrivals and overnight stays."
The investment potential of Montenegro was presented by Kristina Vuković from the Investment Agency of Montenegro, and the investment potential of the Istrian County was presented by Elena Božac Čujić, Assistant Head of the Administrative Department for Economy.
After the introductory speeches and presentations, B2B meetings of Montenegrin and Istrian businessmen were held.
Emir Hadži, manager of the Montenegrin company Lučka Olive Oil, is satisfied with the meetings and agreements that will open the door to business expansion: "Business forums are much more than a protocol. Cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in Croatia and Montenegro is crucial because we share the same Adriatic area, but also the high quality standards we strive for. Croatia is already a proven market for success for us. Our quality has received the highest possible recognition at the regional level here — at the prestigious Noćnjak 2026 competition, we won as many as seven gold and two silver medals. These results are our best recommendation to our Istrian partners and confirmation that our oils, with an exceptionally high content of polyphenols, belong to the very top of the range."
A representative of the Croatian company Tempo doo said: "As a company engaged in freight forwarding and logistics, we believe that cooperation between companies in Croatia and Montenegro is a natural and necessary process. Our role in this chain is precisely through logistical support, because we connect and enable both Croatian and Montenegrin companies to achieve their business cooperation. There is cooperation with both international carriers and exporters from Montenegro to the EU market, and the forums are an excellent opportunity to further connect and strengthen cooperation between the two countries that border each other."
As part of their visit to Istria, Montenegrin businessmen also visited the Olive Oil Museum in Pula, which is an example of how tradition is transformed into a top-notch tourist product, and visited the Society of Montenegrins from Peroj.
Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce Dragan Kujović met with Deputy County Prefect Gordana Antić at the headquarters of the Istrian County, with whom he discussed models of further cooperation.
The economic forum was attended by Nikola Vujović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, and Mirjana Kojić, Director of the Investment Agency of Montenegro.
