The Port of Singapore has expressed interest in collaborating with the Port of Bar, seeing the potential for it to become a key hub for the Balkans and beyond.
This announcement came during a working visit to Singapore by Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Milojko Spajić. According to a statement from his office, Spajić observed the advanced automation processes at Singapore’s Tuas Port, which he described as the port of the future. The port, covering 1,340 hectares, operates with just a few hundred workers managing millions of containers and hundreds of vessels.
Tuas Port is part of an ambitious project to become the world’s largest automated port. In just one year, the port has increased its capacity by 40%. Furthermore, it has reduced harmful emissions by using renewable energy sources for most of its operations. The goal is to make the port carbon-neutral by 2050.
“We are a small country with a limited domestic market, but by integrating our port and airport, we’ve attracted numerous international companies, as we can meet nearly any demand. Our connectivity has helped our economy grow, and now we’re continuing this development by adopting modern technologies, as seen in Tuas Port,” explained Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, who also oversees sustainability and the environment.
Singapore’s port network operates in 45 countries, with 179 locations and 66 terminals. However, they are looking to expand further. Ong Kim Pong, CEO of PSA International, expressed interest in partnering with the Port of Bar, recognizing its potential as a regional hub for the Balkans and beyond.
“The Port of Bar has not been fully leveraged, but it has significant potential. There is a rail connection to EU countries, and we are working on the reconstruction of this infrastructure with financial support from the EU. Additionally, the construction of highways will further improve connectivity, allowing the Port of Bar to reach its full potential,” said Spajić.
Fu also shared insights on why many companies prefer to operate in Singapore. “Companies trust Singapore’s system because everything is done according to the rules, and there is no corruption. This is our greatest advantage. If you want to do business in Southeast Asia, this is the place to start, as many major regional projects begin here,” she noted.
Spajić concluded that, due to Montenegro’s small domestic market, the country must focus on increasing external demand. Strengthening the rule of law, he added, will enhance the country’s attractiveness to multinational companies.
