The first day of the Sarajevo Business Forum (SBF) concluded with engaging panels, inspirational speeches, and fruitful discussions, setting the stage for an even richer array of events on the following day.
With significant participation from domestic and foreign business participants, political officials, and media representatives, this dynamic event was marked by numerous business meetings and panels offering outstanding ideas and perspectives on the prosperity and further economic advancement of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Regional Perspectives on EU Membership Remain a Key Topic
The first day of the Sarajevo Business Forum began with an introductory welcoming speech by the main organizer, Alek Bakalović, CEO of BBI Bank. He emphasized the importance of the Forum as a platform for connecting investors and entrepreneurs, highlighting the potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the key topics of this year’s Forum, which are of the highest national, business, and public interest.
“Sarajevo Business Forum is BBI Bank’s leading socially responsible project, representing our ongoing commitment to the development of our country, and certainly the most influential contribution to the community in which we operate. We are dedicated to fostering positive economic and social impact, and this forum demonstrates our commitment to that goal,” said Bakalović.
Next, Dr. Adnan Chilwan, CEO of the Dubai Islamic Bank Group, addressed the audience, emphasizing the strong and significant impact of Islamic banking and the readiness for significant transformation in the coming years, driven by technological advancements.
“As one of the largest Islamic banks in the world, we have achieved a high level of excellence, relying on honesty, transparency, and responsibility. Technology is our greatest ally, and ESG standards allow us to create deeper and higher-quality relationships with clients. Our mission is to be positive, creating a prosperous world measured by the well-being of our planet and our community. A new era in financing is here,” stated Chilwan.
The Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić (SDP), emphasized the importance of such business events for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We face diverse changes and challenges, including climate change, the development of innovative technologies, and global geopolitical changes. The Government of FBiH is fully committed to accelerating Euro-Atlantic integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as investing in research, development, and innovation as key drivers of progress. Let’s be visionaries and agents of change to shape a better world for future generations together,” said Nikšić.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković (NiP), also spoke.
“Sarajevo Business Forum has established itself in the regional and global business community as the most important business and investment forum in Southeast Europe. Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are recognized as key points of the Balkans and attractive investment destinations. Our commitment is to ensure your investment is safe and successful by adapting laws to modern business practices and improving the business environment. Sarajevo offers an outstanding strategic position, natural resources, and a qualified workforce. We invite you to explore the benefits of investing in our country and become part of our business community,” said Konaković.
The Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacir, was also a speaker on the first day of the Forum.
“Turkey will always support the economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the region, especially in line with the Green Agenda. I hope this forum will encourage new collaborations that will bring prosperity for all,” said Kacir.
First Panel: Regional Policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU Presence
In the first panel, moderated by political consultant Edin Hadžihafizbegović, discussions focused on shaping the regional policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presence in the EU and the challenges and opportunities of the candidacy process.
Former President of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, emphasized that the Western Balkan countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania) need to cooperate, be partners, and friends to show they are ready for EU expansion.
“Reasonable politicians will find solutions and make this country part of the EU,” said Pahor.
Minister Konaković highlighted the importance of political stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We must show that we can communicate regionally and internationally because political instability is the main reason people leave our country. After 13 months of political dialogue, we achieved candidate status for EU entry. We still need to define negotiation frameworks and resolve several issues and laws, and then provide political stability. Our position in the heart of Europe is a great advantage, and EU integration offers us the opportunity to attract the largest investors, reorganize our economy, and keep people in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Konaković said.
The Head of the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, stated that opening negotiations for EU accession is a clear signal to businesses and investors that Bosnia and Herzegovina is on the path to becoming a member of the world’s most sophisticated union.
“This represents a safe investment opportunity because Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming part of a large market. Although the road is long, now is the time for the biggest steps forward,” Sattler said.
Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Government Office, Tomáš Dub, highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is now on the right path and that his country is ready to help, transfer its knowledge and experience on the path to EU accession.
Diplomat Igor Davidović stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina must fully take responsibility for EU accession and precisely define the mandate and main responsibilities of the chief negotiator to be someone with adequate competencies and dedication, as this process will take a long time.
Second Panel: Investment and Business Successes
The second panel, “Investment and Business Successes,” moderated by Nina Pobrić from the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FIPA), with active participation from the Minister of Economy of Sarajevo Canton Zlatko Mijatović (NiP), Rijad Kovač from the Federal Institute for Development Programming, Tamir Mostarac from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Tech 4 Impact Fund Director Zoran Puljić, and the Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) Yousef Hassan Khalawi, provided insights into key government strategies, programs, and initiatives for promoting better economic prospects.
Minister of Economy of Sarajevo Canton, Zlatko Mijatović, said that Sarajevo is a place where investments can be profitable and safe.
“Political stability and reducing corruption in Sarajevo Canton create a favorable environment for investors. We offer subsidies and incentives, including a new program that provides up to 70,000 KM in support to foreign investors for establishing legal entities. The development strategy of FBiH focuses on increasing economic competitiveness through innovation, digitalization, and workforce training. Additionally, our priority is attracting foreign investments by improving the business environment and investment incentives, and developing small and medium-sized enterprises with financial support and business advice,” Mijatović noted.
The second day of the conference, which will be held tomorrow, promises even more exciting events, lectures, and panels with other excellent speakers from the business and political worlds.
