Presentation of the publication „Competitiveness in Southeast Europe- A Policy Outlook“

Sarajevo, April 13 2016 - Presentation of the publication „Competitiveness in Southeast Europe- A Policy Outlook“ was held today in Sarajevo. This publication was prepared by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with financial assistance of the European Commission.

The meeting was opened by Mr. Hamdo Tinjak, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations BiH, Mr. Alan Paić, Head of the OECD Investment Compact for South East Europe, and Mr. Melvin Asin, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to BiH.

Mr. Hamdo Tinjak thanked OECD representatives on a comprehensive overview of the situation in areas that directly affect competitiveness. He pointed out that analyses show that BiH lags behind countries in the region, but there are positive indicators in certain areas. Tinjak emphasized that this analysis was made based on information collected from representatives of BiH institutions, Entities, independent experts and international organizations.

Mr. Alan Paić presented the results published in the publication. A large number of indicators were covered in 15 areas: investment policy and promotion; trade policy and trade facilitation; education and competences; research, development and innovations; digital society; culture and creative sectors; transport; environment; access to finance; tax policy; competition; employment policy; health; effective public service; and anti-corruption policy. The publication assesses progress of reforms in 15 policy areas key to competitiveness in South East Europe countries. In addition, the publication follows the progress in achieving the objectives outlined in the South East Europe 2020 Strategy. Comparison, in areas important for competitiveness, was made between countries in the region and the best practices of the most developed countries gathered under the auspices of the OECD.

Mr. Melvin Asin emphasized importance of such publication, i.e. analysis. In its work the European Commission uses such tools, and they will certainly be of great assistance.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of BiH institutions, international organisations, independent experts, representatives of business community etc.

Although results of the publication show that BiH lags behind the region, it is expected that relevant measures will be taken in order to improve identified weaknesses.