Bosnian Minister seeks removal of US trade tariffs during Washington visit

Vedran Lakic, the Federation (FBiH) entity’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry, confirmed that discussions with American hosts have centred on the Southern Gas Interconnection project. Minister Lakic held meetings at the State Department, including talks with the Special Envoy for Europe and Eurasia, to address key issues regarding the infrastructure project.

In addition to energy security, the delegation visited the Department of Commerce to discuss trade exchange. A primary objective of these talks is the potential removal of US tariffs currently imposed on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"We addressed what is perhaps the most important issue: US tariffs for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and asked that the possibility of lifting these tariffs be considered in the coming period," Lakic stated. He noted that the domestic arms industry identifies the US as a critical market, but warned that current tariffs hinder future operations.

The FBiH delegation is led by Prime Minister Nermin Niksic and includes Minister Lakic and Nerin Dizdar, the Minister for Displaced Persons and Refugees. The wider Bosnia and Herzegovina state delegation is led by Zukan Helez, Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence.