The state must have the courage to stand behind development, offer investors clear and precise contracts, and protect the public interest. Development means giving something up, but receiving much more in return, Žarko Radulović, founder and co-owner of Montenegro Stars Hotel Group, told Pobjeda.

Responsible planning, a clear contract, and an obligation for the investor to complete the project within a precisely defined timeframe are, according to Radulović, safeguards that the state must provide.

Reflecting on the early days of the Splendid hotel, Radulović said there had been disbelief and people who believed Montenegro was not ready for a hotel of that standard.

“But there were also those who, as often happens here, opposed in advance something they had never even had the opportunity to see before. Fortunately, we managed to complete the hotel. Splendid has been operating for 20 years, and that is the best proof that the project was both possible and justified,” Radulović said.

Asked whether Montenegro should be pleased when investors such as Eagle Hills founder Mohamed Alabbar or MK Group express an interest in investing, the founder and co-owner of Montenegro Stars Hotel Group responded affirmatively.

“We should be pleased and ask ourselves why they chose us in the first place. It is a real wonder that they chose Montenegro. When you consider how complicated this country is, how long procedures take, and how anyone who wants to build something immediately becomes a target, you have to ask why anyone would invest here.

“They are not attacked only by people who may have some personal, business or political interest. They are often attacked by those who should remain neutral, analyse projects based on facts, and take the overall interests of the state into account.

“We have not yet mastered even some elementary matters. Instead of conducting serious economic analysis, we tell stories that sound appealing and are easy to sell to the public,” Radulović said.

(Source: Pobjeda)