Bosnia–Saudi Arabia Business Forum seen as turning point in economic relations

BiH Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic stated that Saudi Arabia is an economic and diplomatic powerhouse whose partnership helped Bosnia during its admission to the United Nations and through NATO’s military intervention during the war.

He emphasized that BiH no longer needs humanitarian or any other form of aid, as it is a country of opportunities that can be utilized if BiH politicians are wise and courageous regarding the European path.

Konakovic noted that with friends such as Saudi Arabia, BiH shares common ideas on how to seize opportunities to attract investors, increase wages, and, most importantly, retain young people in the country.

Co-Chair of the BiH–KSA Joint Business Council, Suleiman bin Abdullah Mohammed Al-Shiddi, stressed that the forum represents a historic moment for the business communities of both countries and for the development of cooperation.

He expressed confidence that the event is a serious opportunity for investors from both countries to capitalize on the great potential available to them, and he invited them to seize this moment and the opportunities offered by his country’s Vision for development from 2020 to 2030.

President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ahmet Egrlic, pointed to the need to increase foreign trade exchange between the two countries, for which there is significant potential despite the geographical distance.

He added that BiH should work on facilitating tourist travel from Saudi Arabia, including winter tourism, for which there is considerable interest.

As part of the forum, the investment and business environments of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Saudi Arabia were presented, and B2B meetings between companies from both countries were organized.