History

Economic growth and development have always been closely linked to major changes that have occurred in this region.

Numerous generations of Montenegrin entrepreneurs have left a recognizable mark on the economic development map of our country. Throughout this centuries-long period, we find the organizational foundations of interest-based associations of entrepreneurs, today united under the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro through its engagement. In that sense, it is important to highlight:

• As early as the 13th century, Brskovo was the center of industrial activity in this part of Europe, known for its lead and zinc mining;

• In 1494, the first printing house among the South Slavs began operating on Obod Hill near Rijeka Crnojevića;

• In 1878, the Berlin Congress recognized Montenegro as an independent state;

• In 1888, the General Property Code for the Principality of Montenegro was adopted, authored by Dr. Valtazar Bogišić, one of the most renowned legal experts of that era in Europe;

• In 1896, Trebjesa Brewery was established as the first Montenegrin industry with joint-stock capital;

• In 1901, the First Nikšić Savings Bank was established in Nikšić;

• In 1902, Montenegro adopted its first Constitution.

Highlights from the development of the Chamber:

• 1928 – The Trade, Industrial, and Crafts Chamber of Montenegro was established in Podgorica. Its first board was led by industrialist Mićo Stijović from Podgorica.

• 1931 – The Assembly of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia passed the Law on Shops, which established a unified organization of economic chambers across the country. That year, 79.3% of Montenegro’s population relied on agriculture, forestry, and fishing for livelihood.

• 1936 – Construction began on the future headquarters of the Chamber in Podgorica, still home to the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro.

• 1945 – After World War II, the work of the Trade, Industrial, and Crafts Chamber resumed in Titograd (now Podgorica).

• 1946 – The Cooperative Union of the People’s Republic of Montenegro was formed and acted as the Chamber between 1948 and 1952, in line with then-current economic conditions.

• 1953 – Based on the Federal Regulation on the Association of Economic Organizations, the National Assembly of the People’s Republic of Montenegro established the Trade and Hospitality Chamber, with mandatory membership.

• 1955–1956 – Six chambers were established in Montenegro: mixed trade-hospitality chambers in Nikšić, Pljevlja, and Ivangrad (Berane); specialized trade chambers in Titograd (Podgorica) and Cetinje, and a hospitality chamber for the Cetinje district, based in Kotor.

• 1958 – The Executive Council of the People’s Republic of Montenegro separated trade and hospitality activities into two distinct chambers: the Trade Chamber and the Hospitality Chamber.

• 1960 – The Law on Association and Business Cooperation in the Economy (Official Gazette of the FPRY No. 28/60) detailed the function of chambers as tools for socio-political influence over economic trends. The principle of mandatory membership remained.

• 1962 – The Law on the Formation of Unified Chambers of Economy (Official Gazette of the FPRY No. 22/62) was adopted. Based on this, in July 1962, the Chamber of Economy of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro was founded, with mandatory membership for organizations engaged in economic activities.

• 1965 – The Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro passed a law confirming the existence of a single republican chamber, which also exercised authority over local chambers.

• 1975 – The Law on Association into the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (Official Gazette of the SRCG No. 43/75) was adopted.

• 1981 – A new law on association into the Chamber and general associations was adopted (Official Gazette of the SRCG No. 28/81).

• 1990 – With the new Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro and the introduction of a multi-party parliamentary system, Montenegro was declared a democratic, civic, social, and ecological state. The Assembly adopted a new Law on the Chamber of Economy (Official Gazette No. 46/90), establishing the Chamber as an independent, professional and business organization of enterprises, banks, insurance companies, cooperatives, farms, private businesses, and other economic actors.

• 1998 – The Assembly of the Republic of Montenegro adopted the Law on the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (Official Gazette No. 42/98), reaffirming the Chamber as not only a professional business but also an interest-based independent organization.

• 2003 – With the abolishment of the Law on the Chamber of Economy of Yugoslavia, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro took over all rights and obligations of the federal chamber, including international representation for Montenegro and the exercise of public powers previously held by the federal institution.

• 2006 – With Montenegro’s restoration of independence, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro continued to independently represent and advocate for Montenegrin businesses.