RS and FBiH Businessmen Spoke with Minister Sarovic

Discussing the challenges faced by the BiH economy due to the actual political situation and the non-working of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, and finding solutions to improve the current situation was the topic of a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Mirko Sarovic and businessmen from the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of BiH.

On this occasion, Minister Sarovic presented ongoing initiatives and proposals that could be of benefit to the BiH economy, such as the preparation of new decisions on suspension and reduction of customs rates for export-oriented companies in BiH. Also, an initiative was introduced to form the so-called "small Schengen area".

"Small Schengen essentially means promoting free trade throughout the region. In addition to free trade, this initiative also means unburdening border crossings or passing through without stopping, as well as free movement of workers and recognition of professional qualifications and university degrees," said Minister Sarovic.

Minister Sarovic also presented the work of the Ministry in 2019 and the current results that are being achieved "regardless of the opportunities which were not great for the economy, and the Council of Ministers of BiH, which acted in this situation with an expired mandate."

"This year, we have had significant success in the field of agriculture - the food sector in particular. We have continued to attain European standards, especially when it comes to chicken meat, chicken meat products, and eggs for processing, which in our view is a great success and a significant progress in fulfilling the conditions for exporting red meat to the EU market", the Minister said.

Businessmen welcomed the organization of such a meeting, assessing it as a "rare opportunity to talk to the authorities" and using it to present their ideas but also the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Taking into account their proposals, the Minister emphasized that he would continue to work with businessmen "at the partner level" on joint projects and with common economic goals.

It was concluded that such meetings should be organized on a monthly basis, with the appeal that the BiH Parliament should start working as soon as possible and unblock the adoption of laws and agreements that would make it easier for businessmen to work.