The first annual conference entitled „Favourable Business Environment in the FBiH “was held on 4th June in Mostar under the organization of Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, and in cooperation with the National Alliance for Local Economic Development from Serbia (NALED) and the German Fund for Development (GIZ).
The BIH Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Mirko Sarovic opened the conference.
According to him, this conference is vital in fostering a business environment not only in the FBIH, but also in BIH. He highlighted that the conference would demonstrate that this is an on-going process that seeks to involve an array of layers of government, from municipalities, counties, entities and the state as well.
In turn, this would be possible if the conditions are set in place that characterizes a stable society. This stems from having stable institutions and political stability, and is an ideal environment for attracting foreign investors.
Sanjin Halimović, the FBIH Minister for Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, referred to start-up packages of financial support for new entrepreneurial activities and how everything that has been done until now with partners has paved the way for this possibility, particularly for young people. He specified that start-up packages focus on helping entrepreneurs by paying contributions for their employees, and assuming the burden of liability for the company registration of subsidizing interest rates on loans.
The role of the local community in fostering a favourable business environment was highlighted by the Minister of Administration and Local Self-Government Lejla Resic. This indicates the importance of a bottom-up approach in creating and sustaining an attractive business environment. She explained that the state is only as strong as its local communities, and that the hub of economic activity takes place at the local level. According to her, government institutions should take on an active role in assisting local communities in fortifying economic development and employment opportunities.
This conference envisages further progress because the signing of an agreement on establishing networks for local economic development in the FBIH is expected. In addition, there was a promotion of a project of certification of cities and municipalities with a favourable business environment in the FBIH. The ultimate goal of this project would be to introduce a standardized system in the FBIH that would improve the efficacy of local governments.
On this occasion, the FBIH Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, FBIH Chamber of Commerce, four regional development agencies from the FBIH (REZ, NERDA, SERDA and REDAH and the Association of Towns and Municipalities of the FBIH signed an agreement on establishing a network of local economic development in the FBIH.
