1. Development and improvement of the Technical Infrastructure.
2. Stabilization of Economic Development:
   
   • Restructuring and stabilization of industry;
   • Revival of Agriculture;
   • Development of Tourism.

3. Keeping the environment clean and efficient use of natural resources.

4. Development of human resources:
   
   • Professional orientation, qualification, and re-qualification of employed and unemployed people;
   • Specific programs for employment of the Roma population;
   • Increasing the possibilities for employment in small and medium size enterprises;
   • Vocational education of people who are working in the tourism sector.

The population in the Montana Region as of December 31, 2000: 188,464 people including:

As of December 31, 2000, 63,399 people live in the Municipality of Montana or 32.8% of the population in the region. The demographic make-up of the region continues to age.

The population under, in and above able-bodied working age in the Municipality of Montana:

The decreasing of the population as a whole reflects decreases in both the towns and villages. Through 2000, the urban population has continued to decline.

The tendency for the population of women to be higher is valid not only for the Municipality and the Region, but also for the country as a whole.

Average Monthly Salaries - Average salaries in the Municipality of Montana are below that of average salaries for Bulgaria. They vary from 0.60 Leva/hour to 2 Leva/hour, while the minimum rate is 0.50 Leva/hour for the country.

Unemployment: As of March 31, 2002, the total number of registered unemployed people in the Montana Region is 24,343 people. The level of unemployment from those of able-bodied working age is 27.32%. In the Labor Office in the Municipality of Montana, 10,641 people are registered as unemployed. The level of unemployment from those of able-bodied working age in the Municipality is 24.34%.

The situation of the labor market in the Municipality of Montana depends on the economic situation of the region. The process of demographic aging, the slow rate of structural reform, and stagnation, which all encompass economic life, are obstacles to activation of the labor market and creation of employment.

According to the registration regime, 85.1% of registered unemployed people in the Montana Region do not have the right to access unemployment compensation. 61.7% have been continuously unemployed for more than 12 months. A large part of the registered unemployed people in the region - 35.6%, are able-bodied workers (30-44 years old). The following is the professional structure of the unemployed in the region:

• Total Number of Unemployed - 24,343
• With work specialty - 7,084 (29.1%)
• Specialists - 3,692 (15.2%)
• Without work specialty - 13,567 (55.7%)

In order to overcome the social problems, a special policy is used from the Employment Agency which encompasses different measures following the law for encouragement of employment.

The program for literacy, qualification and employment has the aim to increase the quality of the workforce and to ensure proper employment. In the region, the following programs are being implemented: "From social welfare to employment" and "Flexible forms of employment". The Regional Program for Employment provides the possibility for the realization and assurance of income for continuously unemployed people and people from the Roma population.

Price of agricultural land - lack of a market for agricultural land.

Price of apartment rental - significantly lower than the average for the country.

Price of terrain for building - the prices of Municipal terrain are attractive for carrying out building and development of business. The Municipality has the right to define the preferential circumstances when offering premises and land to strategic investors. The municipality has available pieces of land with already completed infrastructure and premises.