Jašarević Meets with Stepinac on US Investments in Sarajevo Canton

Opening doors and providing support for US investments in Sarajevo Canton and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the focus of yesterday’s meeting between Adnan Jašarević, Director of the Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization (KAIP), and Allison M. Stepinac, Economic Officer at the Embassy of the United States of America in Sarajevo, along with their associates.

During a very substantive meeting held at the Agency’s headquarters, Jašarević presented the activities and role of the Agency, emphasizing its readiness and the very broad legal framework for providing institutional support to potential and active investors from the United States in Sarajevo Canton.

Jašarević particularly stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties, bearing in mind the lasting alliance and partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina—especially Sarajevo—and the United States.

“Every investment from the United States brings not only economic growth and development, but also sends an important message about security, the business environment, and the success of investing in Sarajevo Canton, which in turn attracts new investors and greater interest from around the world. The Agency itself is the result of the desire and readiness to open the market to investments and to place the focus on economic activities,” Jašarević added, expressing encouragement over the growing trend of investments in Sarajevo Canton over the past three years.

During the meeting, several very concrete investment projects were also discussed, as well as other important areas of mutual interest.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, John Ginkel, met with Anais Jan, Membership Development Officer for Europe at the World Trade Center, and Edin Sefo, Director of MDC Sarajevo.

The meeting focused on the next steps in the implementation of the World Trade Center Sarajevo project.

A Unique Project

Sarajevo is expected to become the first city in the region to host a prestigious World Trade Center complex. According to information shared during the meeting, the project is valued at approximately 250 million BAM.

The US Embassy stated that the World Trade Center Sarajevo project will contribute to the creation of new jobs, attract foreign investment, and further position Sarajevo as a growing regional business hub.

“With modern business facilities, stronger business networks, and trade support services, WTC Sarajevo will support both domestic entrepreneurs and international companies, including partners from the United States. The project will help stimulate joint economic growth, making our two countries more prosperous,” the Embassy noted.

Source: Klix.ba

The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted an Information on the received Letter of Intent from the US-based company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy LLC, thereby opening an institutional and transparent dialogue on the potential development of key infrastructure projects in the Federation of BiH, primarily in the fields of energy and transport.

The adopted Information does not imply the awarding of a concession nor the assumption of any obligations. Instead, it represents a formal basis for discussions, analyses, and consideration of possible cooperation models, strictly in line with applicable legislation and the public interest.

The Letter of Intent, submitted to the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry by AAFS Infrastructure and Energy LLC, refers to an integrated infrastructure framework. This includes the development of a new gas interconnection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia (the Southern Interconnection), the construction of gas-fired power plants with accompanying gas infrastructure, as well as the modernization of international airports in Sarajevo and Mostar.

Series of Meetings Planned

Representatives of the US LNG trading company have arrived in Sarajevo, further intensifying discussions on the Southern Interconnection project.

Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić stated that the Government’s decision represents a responsible and realistic institutional step toward strengthening the energy security of the Federation of BiH.

“Today, the Federation of BiH is supplied with natural gas from only one direction and a single source. This represents a serious risk, especially during the winter months. The Southern Interconnection is a strategic project that enables diversification of supply sources and routes, greater security, and a more stable energy system,” Minister Lakić said.

He emphasized that the Government clearly separates individual projects and that each will be considered independently, transparently, and exclusively within the framework of the law.

“This is not a decision on a concession, nor is it a contract. It is a message that the Federation of BiH is willing to engage in dialogue, analysis, and responsible planning. All processes will be public, lawful, and conducted in the interest of citizens,” Lakić added.

The Minister further noted that the construction of new gas infrastructure is also crucial for the broader development of the Federation of BiH, including the stability of the electricity system, industrial growth, and modernization of transport infrastructure.

“Reliable energy is the foundation for industrial development, new jobs, and stronger international connectivity. Our goal is a long-term stable, secure, and sustainable energy system for the Federation of BiH,” he concluded.

By the Government’s conclusion, the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry has been tasked with continuing the institutional dialogue within its competences and, if necessary, preparing amendments to the Law on the Southern Interconnection to enable project implementation through additional models, including a concession-based model.

The Ministry will regularly inform the Government of the Federation of BiH and the public about all further activities.

Source: Klix.ba

Sarajevo Canton has recorded a historic increase in new investments, confirmed by Adnan Jašarević, Director of the Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization (KAIP). According to the latest official data from the Federal Institute of Statistics (FIS), investments in 2024 increased by an impressive 33.6% compared to the previous year.

As stated by Jašarević, total investments in new fixed assets in 2024 amounted to BAM 1,778,763,000, representing an increase of more than one third compared to 2023, which was also a record year, with investments totaling BAM 1,331,129,000. This means that over BAM 440 million more was invested than in the year before.

“We are encouraged by the latest data confirming the positive effects of a systematic approach to attracting investments and improving the business environment in Sarajevo Canton. The investment growth trend that began in 2022, when the Agency was restructured, has not only continued but has intensified significantly. Of course, inflationary pressures must be taken into account; however, even after adjusting for inflation, the investment growth remains exceptionally strong and encouraging, clearly indicating a return of investor confidence in Sarajevo Canton,” Jašarević emphasized.

For the third consecutive year, data from the Federal Institute of Statistics on realized investments in new fixed assets show continuous growth in Sarajevo Canton. Between 2021 and 2024, investments have nearly doubled, according to data from the Statistical Bulletin of the Federal Institute of Statistics, published on December 31, 2025, ahead of the New Year.

Jašarević particularly highlights the quality of investments, noting that more than BAM 1 billion was invested in equipment, machinery, and transport assets.

“A strong focus on economic development and investments, along with the growing interest shown by investors—especially foreign investors—through direct engagement with KAIP, has significantly contributed to the increase in investment activity. The Agency is making strong efforts in international networking, maintaining continuous and direct contact with investors, providing support throughout the investment process, and promoting the comparative advantages of doing business in Sarajevo Canton. Investors clearly recognize these efforts. Although favorable business conditions and strong investment incentives in Sarajevo Canton are often underestimated, it is evident that the business community finds strong motivation to invest here,” Jašarević added.

According to the same data, Sarajevo Canton significantly outperforms all other cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, accounting for nearly one third of total investments, which exceeded BAM 6 billion across the Federation in 2024.

The Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization is an agency of the Government of Sarajevo Canton, legally designated as the central point of contact for all investors in Sarajevo Canton.

The Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization (KAIP) has established cooperation with the Office of the Government of Catalonia and the Catalan Agency for Business Competitiveness and Internationalisation – ACCIÓ, with the aim of strengthening investment promotion activities and improving the business environment in Canton Sarajevo.

On this occasion, a meeting was held in Zagreb between KAIP Director Adnan Jašarević and Amra Hašimbegović, Assistant Director for Investments, with Alexandre Fernandez Llopart, Representative of the Office of the Government of Catalonia for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Jorge Salgado, Representative of ACCIÓ. During the meeting, opportunities for institutional cooperation were aligned and concrete steps were defined towards attracting investors from Catalonia to Canton Sarajevo.

During the meeting, joint areas of action were agreed, including the exchange of information, promotion of investment projects, direct networking between business entities, as well as the organisation of future business meetings and visits by potential investors from Catalonia.

Special emphasis was placed on the economic strength of Catalonia, which represents the most developed and economically strongest region of Spain, accounting for more than 20% of Spain’s total GDP, with a strong export-oriented economy, developed industry, technology and innovation, and Barcelona as one of the leading business and investment hubs of Southern Europe.

As part of the meeting, a presentation was delivered on the investment potential and specific projects in Canton Sarajevo, highlighting the comparative advantages of investing in Sarajevo, including its favourable geostrategic position, available and skilled workforce, low tax rates, support for investments and employment, competitive operating costs, and fast-growing sectors such as IT, tourism, energy, industry and services.

Representatives of the Catalan institutions expressed strong readiness and clear interest in investment and cooperation, emphasising that they recognise significant opportunities for investment and development across numerous sectors in Canton Sarajevo, as well as the potential for long-term partnership.

During the discussions, particular emphasis was also placed on the traditionally strong ties between Sarajevo and Catalonia, dating back to the period of aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Catalonia and the City of Barcelona provided substantial humanitarian, institutional and social support to Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, continuing this support in the post-war period.

The established cooperation represents an important step towards strengthening the international visibility of Canton Sarajevo as an attractive investment destination and confirms KAIP’s commitment to strategic partnerships with Europe’s most developed regions.

The Ministry of Economy of the Sarajevo Canton has announced a Public Call for participation in the Startup Acceleration Program, a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and investors. The program aims to create a supportive environment in which startups can realize their full potential, achieve sustainable growth, and attain market success.

The Public Call and the application documentation are available on the official website of the Ministry of Economy of the Sarajevo Canton at the following link:

👉 https://mp.ks.gov.ba/aktuelno/konkursi-i-javni-pozivi/javni-poziv-za-podnosenje-prijave-u-okviru-programa-poduzetnicke

The largest regional business services sector event – ABSL Western Balkans Conference 2025 – will be held for the first time on October 23–24, 2025, in Sarajevo, bringing together leading executives, experts, and investors from the business services sector (IT, finance, human resources, procurement, administration, marketing, operations, customer support, research and development, supply chains, consulting, and outsourcing).

Under the slogan “Unlocking Potential: Balkan Bridges for Global Impact,” the conference will feature a two-day program dedicated to talent, technology, transformation, and business networking — key drivers shaping the future of the industry both regionally and globally.

In October, Sarajevo will become a hub for regional business development, where participants will discuss global trends, digital transformation, the role of talent in the modern economy, and strategic partnerships that contribute to the economic growth of the Western Balkans.

Keynote speakers will include Jacek Levernes, founder of ABSL in Poland and Brussels and one of the leading figures in the development and transformation of business services in Europe; Oliver Derler, Managing Director of Concentrix Balkans, Austria, and Hungary, who will share insights on the company’s regional growth; Kemal Babić, CEO of DDC Group; and Veljko Petrović, Director of Transcom, who will discuss how best to leverage regional potential in the global business services context.

Throughout the two-day program, perspectives on talent, technology, and transformation will also be shared by Felix Toma from Manpower, Admir Drinić, CEO of Telemach, and Alina Secuianu from TELUS Digital, alongside representatives of leading companies. The conference will also host representatives of international investment agencies in a discussion dedicated to strengthening investments in the Western Balkans.

One of the panel discussions on investment promotion in the Western Balkans will feature Amra Hašimbegović, Assistant Director of the Cantonal Agency for Investment Promotion and Privatization (KAIP), who stated:

“The ABSL Western Balkans Conference represents an extremely important platform for exchanging experiences, ideas, and best practices among representatives of institutions, investment agencies, and the business community of the region. We look forward to engaging with colleagues from regional agencies and institutions, as we believe that dialogue and mutual understanding are the keys to building a stronger investment environment. We are especially pleased with the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s fastest-growing sector — the business services sector — which plays an increasingly significant role in attracting investment, developing human potential, and enhancing the competitiveness of our economy.”

The conference will bring together over 200 participants, including regional and international business services leaders, institutional representatives, investors, and companies that recognize the growing role of the Western Balkans in the global business services network.

“This conference is more than a business event — it is an invitation to collectively reflect on the future of our region. In October, Sarajevo will become a place where people, ideas, and visions connect, transforming the way we work and collaborate within the business services sector. Attending the ABSL Western Balkans Conference means being part of a story that shapes a new generation of business growth and opportunities in the region,” said Nadina Gradaščević, Director of ABSL Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Over the course of two days, participants will have the opportunity to attend panels, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions focused on business development, technology, talent, and transformation — and to network with representatives of companies shaping the future of the business services sector.

The ABSL Western Balkans Conference 2025 marks a crucial step in strengthening regional cooperation and positioning the Western Balkans as an attractive destination for business services.

This initiative is part of the interventions developed within the RECONOMY program, a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and other organizations in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans countries.

Join us and be part of the event that connects the region and opens new opportunities for international cooperation.

More information and registration: conference.absl-westernbalkans.com

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to experience strong investment growth, according to the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office (FZS). Total investments in the Federation of BiH in 2024 increased by 10.2% compared to 2023, marking the continuation of a highly positive trend over the past three years.

Official figures show that total realized investments last year amounted to more than six billion BAM—specifically 6,105,834,000 convertible marks—representing a 10.2% increase from 2023, when investments stood at 5,539,538,000 BAM. Based on previous statistical patterns, nearly one-quarter of these investments are made annually in Sarajevo Canton alone.

Adnan Jašarević, Director of the Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization of Sarajevo Canton, commented on the new data from the Federal Statistical Office, emphasizing that the results are encouraging and reflect the impact of measures to improve the business climate and a systematic approach to attracting investment. These efforts, he said, are contributing significantly to positive trends not only in Sarajevo Canton but across the entire Federation.

“It is important to highlight that half of these investments relate to the purchase of machinery and equipment, which speaks to their high-quality nature. Of course, many factors influence entrepreneurs’ willingness to expand investments or launch new business operations—from government stability and economic reforms that facilitate business, to proactive efforts in investment promotion and international networking. For us, this is not a surprise, but it is a strong encouragement to continue our work and strengthen everything that makes us an even more attractive and reliable investment destination,” Jašarević added.

He also noted that once statistical data broken down by cantons becomes available—expected in the last quarter of the year—precise amounts and growth rates for Sarajevo Canton will be published. Still, he fully expects the continuation of this positive trend.

According to earlier FZS data, investments in Sarajevo Canton grew by as much as 13% in 2023 compared to the previous year, when total investments surpassed 1.3 billion BAM—a record high for the past decade.

Adnan Jašarević, Director of the Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization (KAIP), held a meeting yesterday in Sarajevo with His Excellency Walid Ahmed Abdelfatah Haggag, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The discussion focused on the possibilities of strengthening economic cooperation and promoting the investment potential of Sarajevo Canton to Egyptian investors.

Director Jašarević emphasized that Sarajevo Canton is one of the most attractive investment destinations not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but in the entire region. He highlighted the importance of introducing international partners to the improving business climate in Sarajevo Canton.

“We had a very constructive and meaningful discussion. We can clearly see that there is interest in our Canton. We expect to soon take concrete steps to strengthen our cooperation and create opportunities to present major investors from this friendly country with successful business prospects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Sarajevo Canton,” said Jašarević.

Both sides confirmed their willingness to strengthen ties and encourage economic and investment cooperation through regular communication and mutual engagement.