Energy, Mining and Industry Ministry of Bosnia's Federation (FBiH) entity published a list of 391 export-oriented beneficiaries from the industrial sector, with a total of 32,429 employees who will receive financial aid in order to cover the costs incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the December 3 session, the FBiH Government passed five decisions on the selection of beneficiaries for the distribution of 30 million Bosnian marks (approx. €15 million) of direct aid for export-oriented companies in this entity.

The decisions were made based on a regulation on intervention measures to support vulnerable sectors of the economy in the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic. For the implementation of the decree, the FBiH Government provided funds totalling of 90 million marks (some €45 million) in this year's entity budget.

In the field of industry, subsidies worth 30 million marks cover five branches.

A total of 15,078,350 marks were allocated for 131 companies with 13,462 employees from the metal, electrical and automotive industries, while aid for 69 exporters in the field of textile, clothing, leather and footwear production, with a total of 8,645 employees, will receive 4,026,840 Bosnian marks.

A total of 140 export companies from the wood, paper and graphic industry with 7,231 employees were provided with 5,016,260 Bosnian marks and 5,188,550 marks were earmarked for 43 export companies from the chemical and pharmaceutical, and the rubber and plastic industry with 2,615 employees. The Government also provided 690,000 marks for eight exporters of the construction materials and non-metals industry with 476 employees.

Agreements with beneficiaries are said to be signed in the following days, the FBiH Government said.