The development of northern Montenegro requires a long-term development strategy, stronger cooperation between the business community and institutions, and the creation of conditions that encourage people to remain and work in this part of the country, says Hilmija Franca, Director of Meso-Promet, reflecting on the key topics discussed at the first regional edition of the TBM Business Talks – Northern Region platform.

As one of Montenegro’s leading food industry companies and one of the largest employers in the country’s north, Meso-Promet has been operating in Bijelo Polje for more than three decades. According to Franca, the company’s own experience confirms that the region possesses significant, yet still underutilized, potential.
“Northern Montenegro is rich in natural resources, has hardworking people, and a long tradition of food production. Agriculture—particularly livestock farming and the food industry—together with tourism, represents the greatest development opportunity for this part of the country. Tourism can become a key driver of growth by creating demand for domestic products and encouraging the development of the processing industry, thereby creating conditions for people to remain in rural areas and earn a dignified living from their work,” Franca says.

According to him, the region’s potential should not be viewed solely through its natural resources, but also through the opportunity to integrate agriculture, the food industry, tourism, the wood-processing industry, and renewable energy into a comprehensive development model.

Speaking about the role of institutions, Franca emphasizes that sustainable development cannot be achieved through isolated measures, as production, infrastructure, education, and employment are all equally important pillars of progress.

“The business sector should be seen as a partner, not merely as a beneficiary of incentives. Companies that invest, create jobs, and generate new value have the best understanding of the challenges on the ground. When a high-quality development project is identified, it is important for institutions to respond quickly so that everyone can work together toward its successful implementation,” Franca says.
As an example of such cooperation, he points to Meso-Promet’s experience following the 2018 fire, when the company’s production facilities were restored in a remarkably short period thanks to the swift response of the state, the local government, business partners from the European Union, domestic companies, and citizens.
“That experience showed us how much can be achieved when there is a shared goal and everyone contributes from their own perspective. That is precisely why I believe that open dialogue, mutual trust, and concrete action are the foundation of successful development policies,” Franca adds.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, which this year marks its 35th anniversary, Franca stresses that success is never achieved overnight.
“There are no shortcuts in business. There have been both successful and challenging years, but if you are fair to your customers, employees, and partners, you will always find a way to move forward. We have grown step by step, continuously investing in our company, new technologies, and our people. That is why today we can proudly say that we have built a company with lasting value,” he says.

His message to entrepreneurs seeking to build a successful business over the long term is straightforward:
“Don’t build a business for one year—build it for a generation. If you operate responsibly, invest in quality, and build trust, results will undoubtedly follow, regardless of the challenges you encounter along the way.”