Bijelo Polje stands as the northern economic anchor of Montenegro, a city shaped by its strategic position on regional trade routes, its agricultural hinterland, industrial heritage, and a growing role in services and entrepreneurship. Situated in the Lim River valley and connected to both Serbia and the Montenegrin central corridor, Bijelo Polje functions as the commercial heart of Montenegro’s northern region, linking mountain towns, rural economies and border crossings into a cohesive economic zone.
Historically, Bijelo Polje was a vibrant trading town, acting as a supply centre for highland villages while connecting the Lim valley to markets in Serbia and Kosovo. This commercial tradition remains deeply embedded in the city’s structure. Its retail sector is among the most developed in the north, with strong SME activity in trade, food production, carpentry, metalwork, construction and services. The entrepreneurial culture is one of Bijelo Polje’s defining strengths — small family businesses thrive, often passed down through generations, forming the backbone of the local economy.
Industry also plays a major role. Bijelo Polje developed textile production, food processing and light manufacturing during the socialist industrialisation era. Although many large factories declined during the economic transitions of the 1990s and 2000s, several sectors revived through private investment and restructuring. Food processing, milling, dairy production, meat processing and bakery industries remain strong today. The city has a notable presence of construction companies, mechanical workshops, small metal fabricators and timber-based industries, supported by local raw materials and skilled tradespeople.
Agriculture in Bijelo Polje’s hinterland provides a substantial economic base. The region produces dairy, potatoes, fruits, corn, vegetables and livestock. Small family farms dominate, but an increasing number of producers are adopting modern equipment, greenhouses and high-value crops. With the right investment into processing, distribution and certification, Bijelo Polje could develop strong agribusiness supply chains, particularly in dairy, meat, frozen produce and packaged foods. The Lim valley’s climate and soil allow diversification, including organic production and berry cultivation.
Logistics is emerging as one of the city’s long-term strengths. Bijelo Polje’s transport position gives it a natural advantage as a hub connecting Serbia, Kosovo, the Montenegrin north and the coastal region. Improvements to road infrastructure and the modernisation of the Bar–Belgrade railway enhance its role as a distribution centre for goods flowing between the Adriatic port and Balkan hinterland. The potential establishment of logistics platforms, cold storage, industrial warehouses and re-export facilities aligns with Montenegro’s broader strategy to decentralise economic activity beyond Podgorica and the coast.
Tourism is a smaller but growing sector. The natural landscapes of Bjelasica and surrounding mountains, along with cultural heritage and village tourism, offer opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure sports and rural hospitality. While the north has traditionally lagged behind the coast in tourism development, Bijelo Polje is well positioned to capture increased visitor flows as Montenegro promotes its mountain brand. Investments in small hotels, rural lodges, wellness tourism and outdoor recreation could significantly expand the sector.
Challenges remain substantial. Demographic decline, outmigration, labour shortages, limited large-scale investment and uneven infrastructure slow development. The SME sector needs greater access to finance, training, technology and modern business services. Industrial zones require further preparation to attract investors. Yet these obstacles coexist with clear opportunities. Bijelo Polje’s location, workforce, entrepreneurial culture and regional importance make it a natural candidate for long-term development.
In the next decade, Bijelo Polje is likely to experience moderate but steady economic growth driven by service expansion, industrial revitalisation, agricultural modernisation, improved logistics and tourism diversification. With coordinated policy support and targeted investment, it could emerge as a key northern economic pole, balancing Montenegro’s regional development and strengthening its internal market.
