Final day of the working visit to Washington, D.C. dedicated to sustainable financing and digital services in partnership with the IFC
19/10/2025
During the visit to Washington, D.C., the teams from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Montenegro, led by the Minister Novica Vuković and the Governor Irena Radović, held a meeting with representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), headed by Alfonso Garcia Moro, Regional Vice President for Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution focused on the private sector, aiming to support emerging markets through sustainable and inclusive growth.
The key strategic initiatives that the Government is implementing with the support of international partners were discussed at the meeting. Minister Vuković emphasized that the expert assistance from IFC is of exceptional value in ensuring a transparent process related to awarding concession for Airports.
Mr. Vuković stated that through joint efforts, the Ministry of Finance and IFC contribute to improving the regulatory framework and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth. “Through partnership with the IFC, the Ministry of Finance strengthens institutional capacities and opens space for attracting quality investments.”
Special attention was given to future projects Montenegro plans in tourism and infrastructure with the aim of allowing for a more balanced economic development and economic diversification.
The Vice President Garcia Moro noted that the cooperation achieved so far with Montenegro represents a successful example of partnership, expressing openness to a further deepening of collaboration, including in new sectors of mutual interest.
The meeting discussions also involved a review of future cooperation between Montenegro and the IFC within the new World Bank Partnership Framework for Montenegro 2025–2029, with a particular focus on sustainable financing, digital financial services, and strengthening economic resilience.
Governor Radović expressed her satisfaction with the IFC’s readiness to support Montenegro in developing projects in sustainable and climate financing, as well as in digital transformation of the financial sector, emphasizing that the Central Bank will contribute to further strengthening the country’s financial system through joint initiatives.
Ms. Radović presented the Central Bank’s cooperation priorities, which include implementing the National Roadmap for Sustainable Financing in cooperation with international partners such as the SBFN, UN SSE, UNEP FI, and the IFRS Foundation, integrating Montenegrin banks into the Climate Finance Program that the IFC runs with support from the European Commission, and supporting the development of digital financial services through the standardisation of the national QR code and establishing a regulatory framework for fintech innovations.
The agreements reached mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation with the IFC aimed at strengthening Montenegro’s sustainable, resilient, and digital financial system, aligned with the goals of European integration and green growth.
As part of the working visit to Washington, D.C. Minister Vuković and his team also met with representatives of leading global banks to discuss macroeconomics, foreign investments, and financial cooperation. He presented economic indicators and the Government’s reform priorities, highlighting stability and openness to international markets. The meetings confirmed a growing interest of global banks in the Montenegrin market.
During the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the Montenegrin delegation received strong support and praise from the leading international financial authorities for the accomplishments achieved so far, along with encouragement to continue with the economic and institutional reforms.