The 13th Sarajevo Business Forum kicked off today in Sarajevo, bringing together officials, business leaders, and economic experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries.

Alek Bakalovic, CEO of BBI Bank, addressed the attendees first, emphasizing the importance of connecting investors and entrepreneurs.

“Sarajevo Business Forum is the most significant contribution of BBI Bank to society in both economic and social terms. We aim to foster cross-border connections and the transfer of knowledge and technologies, as well as identify weaknesses and strengths in our economy. During the Forum, we will discuss ways to attract foreign investments. One of the topics will be the railway infrastructure, which has been neglected in the past. It is clear that the state has ignored this issue until now. With our partners from USAID, we will explore the tourism sector, with a special focus on health tourism,” Bakalovic stated.

Bosnia's Foreign Minister, Elmedin Konakovic, highlighted that this business forum is one of the most important economic events in the country and the region. He noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has always been a meeting place of cultures where people met and exchanged business connections. He added that the entire Western Balkans region is currently at a crossroads.

“We are determined to overcome the problems facing Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy. In a very short period of 13-14 months, we have shown what dialogue and compromise can bring to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this process, we may have lost political points, but the citizens gained better opportunities. We should talk more about our future and argue less about our past,” Konakovic said. He also reminded that Bosnia and Herzegovina is still the only electricity exporter in the region, making it competitive in the market. He spoke about the tourism sector, which offers a wide range of investment opportunities, and the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina has talented labor in the IT industry.

FBiH Prime Minister, Nermin Niksic, emphasized the importance of investing in green energy and the need to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping our business environment.

“When we talk about socio-economic facts, it is important to note that we are facing numerous changes, including climate change, migrations, and changes in the labor market. We need to be agile, innovative, and flexible. It is crucial to emphasize the full commitment of the FBiH Government to accelerated Euro-Atlantic integration of our country. Investing in green energy is key to the transition. Decisive action in the field of green energy is a source of sustainable development and prosperity. The development of FBiH and Bosnia and Herzegovina must focus on creating products with higher added value, which will attract investors,” Niksic said.

The Sarajevo Business Forum will include panels and presentations in the field of business and investment and will run until May 23.