Bosnia and Herzegovina has never needed a political catharsis and an economic progress as it does now. The path you chose has no alternative, said Bosnia’s High Representative Valentin Inzko opening an international conference organised by the Sarajevo Canton.

“Development opportunities by themselves are not enough. The politically stable environment was always of crucial importance for business, as it is today,” Inzko said. “Institutional stability and efficiency, the rule of law, fight against corruption and constant determination to reforms jointly create a framework for the development of a healthy economy.”

The High Representative, who oversees the civilian implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement which ended the war in Bosnia (1992-1995), stressed that the organisation of this international conference at the height of the general election campaign is a brave and visionary move because it opposes the dominant rhetoric of division and calls for cooperation and prosperity.

“For that reason, the moment at which this conference is held represents a unique opportunity for all of us to express our expectations that politicians should finally focus on the creation of a more stable environment needed for the successful development of business and human potentials,” Inzko stressed. “This message is needed now more than ever because this is the time at which politicians are paying too much attention to issues that divide the citizens.”

He added that Bosnia’s business community, as one of the movers of prosperity and progress has the potential to be part of this change.