Jašarević and the Ambassador of Spain Discuss Strengthening Investment Cooperation and Interest of Spanish Companies in Sarajevo Canton
The Director of the Cantonal Agency for Attracting Investments and Privatization Adnan Jašarević met with H.E. María Molina Álvarez de Toledo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The meeting was also attended by Jašarević’s associates, and the discussions focused on opportunities to enhance cooperation in attracting investments and strengthening economic development. Jašarević presented the activities of the Agency, highlighting the positive business environment and investment potential of Sarajevo Canton, as well as opportunities for investors from Spain.
Particular attention was given to very concrete contacts with Spanish companies that have expressed interest in investing in various economic sectors, including tourism and renewable energy.
During the very pleasant and constructive discussion, other aspects of cooperation were also considered. Jašarević emphasized the importance of the Kingdom of Spain as a partner and expressed gratitude for the support and assistance that Spain has provided to Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo, BiH – 90% of FIC members recommend Bosnia and Herzegovina as an investment destination, while 68% plan new investments in the coming years, according to the Business Barometer for 2025!
Foreign investments remain one of the most important drivers of international economic cooperation and host country development. They enable domestic companies to connect with foreign partners, creating opportunities for technology transfer, skills development, capacity building, and market expansion. Such projects directly increase the efficiency and competitiveness of local enterprises, generate new jobs, and stimulate overall economic growth, especially in transition economies, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kanton Sarajevo recognizes the strategic importance of foreign investments and continues to work on improving the business environment. However, its complex administrative structure and fragmented regulatory system still present challenges for investors. For this reason, the members of the Foreign Investors Council in BiH (FIC) have prepared the fourth edition of the Business Barometer, aiming to provide relevant information and recommendations to authorities to create more favorable investment conditions and enhance the position of existing investors.
Analysis of recent years shows that, despite challenges, investors in BiH demonstrate a high degree of resilience and adaptability. Many companies have implemented new projects, expanded production capacities, and improved internal processes, confirming the country’s potential for long-term investment. These positive examples highlight that BiH possesses resources, knowledge, and strategic advantages that, if further utilized, can significantly enhance the investment climate.
Although 38% of FIC members express moderate dissatisfaction with the business environment—the high level of market confidence is evident from the fact that 90% of FIC members recommend BiH as an investment destination, while 68% plan new investments in the coming years.
Employment plans also indicate a positive trend. More than half of FIC members (63%) intend to increase the number of employees over the next three years. The highest demand is for highly educated professionals, particularly in economic and technical fields, while skilled workers in vocational and craft professions are also in significant demand. This emphasis on human resources highlights the importance of continuously aligning the education system with labor market needs.
Geographic proximity to the European Union, availability of qualified labor, and low corporate profit tax and VAT rates are identified as key advantages of BiH. Leveraging these factors provides a strong basis for attracting new investments and strengthening the country’s economic stability.
The comprehensive insights presented in this report provide a clear picture of the current state of foreign investments, identify advantages and challenges, and offer guidance for designing policies that improve the business climate, strengthen investors’ positions, and contribute to the long-term economic growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The full Business Barometer 2025 is now available for investors to review the complete research and findings.
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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.
Kantonalna agencija za privlačenje investicija i privatizaciju (KAIP) obavještava pravna i fizička lica sa područja Kantona Sarajevo da Kantonalnoj agenciji za privlačenje investicija i privatizaciju mogu dostaviti potencijalne investicijske projekte i poslovne ideje s ciljem njihove promocije i povezivanja sa domaćim i stranim investitorima.
Prikupljanje kvalitetnih, izvodivih i tržišno orijentiranih investicijskih projekata se vrši s namjerom predstavljanja potencijalnim investitorima, a u svrhu jačanja razvoja lokalne ekonomije kroz promociju ulaganja, zapošljavanja i inovacija.
Projekti i ideje mogu biti iz svih sektora ekonomije te se mogu dostaviti u bilo kojoj formi.Pravo i mogućnost za dostavljanje prijedloga i projekata imaju:
· pravni subjekti
· javne institucije i ustanove,
· jedinice lokalne samouprave,
· udruženja građana,
· fizička lica sa prebivalištem na području Kantona Sarajevo.
Agencija će izvršiti pregled dostavljenih projekta te ih, u skladu sa zakonskom okvirima, predstavljati potencijalnim investitorima u zemlji i inostranstvu, putem promotivnih aktivnosti, baza podataka i investicionih foruma.
Naš tim će obezbijediti povjerljivost svih dostavljenih informacija.
Proces prikupljanja projekata je trajno otvoren.
Za dodatne informacije, kontaktirajte nas putem maila ili telefona.
Projekti se dostavljaju putem e-maila na adresu: info@kaip.ba ili poštom / lično na adresu: Kantonalna agencija za privlačenje investicija i privatizaciju Aleja Bosne Srebrene bb 71 000 Sarajevo.
Napominjemo da KAIP nema nadležnost za finansiranje projekata, već za uključivanje u proces promocije i potencijalnog povezivanja sa investitorima.
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:
