The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is prepared to invest 400 million Euro in Bosnia and Herzegovina annually, Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Minister Mirko Sarovic said on Wednesday.
Sarovic spoke to reporters as he attended the annual meeting of the governors of the EBRD in Sarajevo. He said that the amount of EBRD investments in the country could vary depending on Bosnia and Herzegovina and the institutions of its two semi-autonomous entities which propose projects.
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Suma Chakrabarti (EBRD President) said at yesterday’s meeting with the Chairman of Bosnia’s Council of Ministers and his deputies that 400 million Euro could be allocated for Bosnia and Herzegovina, “which is double the amount of EBRD investments in the country until now,” Sarovic said, calling it “fantastic.”
But he also said that it seems the EBRD has “thrown the ball in our court,” as he said that in case “we are capable and prompt” the country can expect that amount.
Sarovic emphasised an ongoing initiative for increasing connectivity in the region as very important.
“Not only through the CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement), not only through political discussions but through the forming of a type of Schengen area for the Western Balkans,” he said, explaining that this would mean free movement of goods, capital and people in the region.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will be presented at the EBRD session on Thursday, he said.
“Other countries also have their own presentations. We should be the best and say why it is worth investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which sectors are most competitive,” he said.
He added that Bosnia has chosen several sectors to present to potential investors, naming the IT sector, the production of furniture, tourism and the metal industry.
