Conference "Connecto 2013 – Economic Cooperation with the Diaspora"

The conference “CONNECTO 2013 - Economic Cooperation with the Diaspora”, which aims to encourage cooperation between domestic and entrepreneurs from the diaspora was held 26th July in Mostar.  

Sponsor of the conference, the Chairman of the BIH Council of Ministers Vjekoslav Bevanda, in his speech said that a large number of people from Bosnia and Herzegovina went to other countries “seeking their fortune”.
“People who have gone around the world proved to be clever, smart and know how to handle the greatest adversity. As a result, they achieved success wherever they went. There is potential in BHH and people who want, can and know how to work. This conference is meant to help these people come together and cooperate,” Bevanda said.

The conference was also attended by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in BIH Ulrike Maria Knotz and Swedish Ambassador to BIH Bosse Hedberg.
Ambassador Knotz said that BIH is a small country and it is difficult to present it as an attractive location for investment.

“In Germany there are about 200,000 people who originate from BIH and they can be the helping factor to bring BIH to interest of German companies,” said German Ambassador.

 Ambassador Hedberg announced that the Government of Sweden will establish a “challenge fund” to support business projects in BIH.
“The fund will be intended primarily for members of BIH diaspora. SMEs which are registered in Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to apply for financial assistance from this fund,” said Ambassador Hedberg, stating that the Government of Sweden is preparing a seven-year strategy for regional cooperation for the Western Balkans.