More than 400,000 euros of support for wood processors in Rožaj
"Joint action for active employment measures in the wood processing sector in the municipality of Rožaje" is the name of the project that will be implemented in the coming months by the local self-government of Rožaje in cooperation with the non-governmental organizations Center for Regional Development, Cluster of Wood Processors and Association of Paraplegics.
The twelve-month program is supported by the European Union, and its goal is to support the business of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of wood processing through the allocation of non-reimbursable financial resources for the purchase of equipment, and the training and employment of workers.
President of the Municipality of Rožaje Rahman Husovic he emphasized that through the process of financing the purchase of equipment, the production capacity and competitiveness of economic entities will be improved, and at the same time, an environment for the employment of new workers will be created. He pointed out that wood processing is a strategic development branch of Rožaj.
"NagI will admit that wood processing is our dominant branch of development. Rožaje has enormous potential in that area. Micro, small and medium enterprises, as a sector, make up the largest part of the total number of employers in our municipality. This additionally obliged us to look for partners who will help us implement certain investments in that part of local production, especially now when businessmen are facing the pronounced consequences of the pandemic.", said President Husović and thanked the municipal team and collaborators on the project for the successfully implemented idea.
Fikret Kuč, the project manager announced at today's press conference on the occasion of the presentation of the project the announcement of a Public Call for the allocation of financial support to wood processors.
"Financial support will amount to 30,000 euros for each company. A minimum of 10 grants will be awarded. Each beneficiary of the support will have the obligation to conduct job training for at least three people who are on the records of the Employment Service of Montenegro and to hire two people long-term after that.", said Kuč.
It was announced at the press conference that the total value of the project is 401,420.96 euros and that 85 percent of that amount will be financed through the IPA program.
The call for project proposals was announced as part of IPA II - the multi-year program of the European Union for Montenegro for employment, education and social protection. The contractual body of the Program is the Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare of Montenegro - Directorate for Financing and Contracting of EU Aid Funds. The implementation of the project is carried out with the control and consent of the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro.
The project activities include the creation of a joint website where all wood processors from Rožaj will be able to present their offer.
