Spajić with Bjerde: When a country loses its people, it also loses its identity

When a country loses its people, it also loses its identity, which is why responsible policies must anticipate negative consequences in time and prevent population emigration, World Bank Managing Director for Operations Anna Bjerde said during a meeting with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić in Bangkok. In this context, the prime minister presented the government’s new Euro Model programme, aimed at improving citizens’ living standards by raising minimum wages while reducing the tax burden on labour—an approach that, he stressed, simultaneously strengthens employees’ position and the competitiveness of the economy. Emigration has consequences beyond the economic sphere, because a country that loses its people also loses part of its identity, Bjerde said, adding that responsible policies must anticipate negative consequences in time and prevent population outflows. In discussions on the future development of Montenegro’s airports and their importance for the country’s accessibility and tourism competitiveness, interest was expressed in advisory and potentially financial support from the IFC. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said the government’s ambition was for Montenegro, relying on domestic expertise, its European perspective and development potential, to become an example of successful development among small states. The interlocutors agreed that, during the coming period, specialised teams would continue communicating closely on potential projects that could contribute to further socio-economic progress.