American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro (AmCham Montenegro) organized a reception for its members in honor of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) visit to Montenegro. The members were provided with an opportunity to meet and discuss possible cooperation between Montenegrin companies and OPIC. The event was held at the authentic ambient of Wine Cellar Šipčanik. OPIC supports business on developing markets, offering products adapted to each individual client and project as well as solutions for common problems which companies face, such as lack of finance, political and regulatory risks.

President of AmCham, Katarina Bulatović, welcomed the Vice-President of OPIC for small and medium Enterprises, Mr. James Poland and expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Embassy on cooperation and support for AmCham activities. Ms. Bulatović, emphasized the importance of this OPIC visit to Montenegro. She used the opportunity to share with the guests, the slogan of AmCham – „Creating opportunities„ and expressed her belief that the OPIC visit will result in new opportunities for AmCham business community. Bulatović concluded that in order to attract American and other foreign direct investments, it is necessary to continue with the activities of AmCham, which address the business barriers and enable safe and stable business ambiance.

Traditionally, Ambassador of United States, H.E. Margaret Ann Uyehara, addressed the members and guests of AmCham. Ambassador stated that the Governments of USA and Montenegro share common goals, and the Government of USA supports Montenegro in its Euro-Atlantic integrations, which will strengthen commercial partnerships and increase the economic cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador stated that in the accomplishment of this goal they rely on AmCham Montenegro as an organization which has transformed in a strong, reliable and tireless advocate for the creation of a better business ambiance and more attractive investment ambiance for all investors.

Mr. James Polan, Vice President of OPIC for Small and Medium Enterprises, introduced the members with the work and program of the agency. Projects under the support of OPIC vary in the span of half a million to 50 million in worth, for small and medium investments, up to 400 million for infrastructure and energy projects. Mr. Polan is of opinion that Montenegro should focus on investments in value up to 50 million. „OPIC deals in almost every segment of economy – from IT to real-estate, up to renewable energy sources, small and medium enterprises„ stated Polan and emphasized that all projects which OPIC supports must, in a way be connected to America. He added that OPIC supports projects which add value in the amount of 50 to 75% of total investment, even in cases when those projects are not supported by the local commercial banks. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy the musical performance by the internationally recognized guitar duet Bulatović-Nikčević.