Enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina will have the opportunity to become more competitive, innovative, and resilient thanks to a new three-year project for Private Sector Development in BiH (EU4PSD). Funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project will help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital and green solutions, opening up new opportunities in the EU market.
At today’s Kick-off event held at Europe House in Sarajevo, the implementing organisations GIZ and OECD presented the project’s goals and formalised cooperation with partners. Representatives from businesses, relevant institutions, and chambers of commerce discussed challenges and the need for digital and green solutions in the private sector—crucial for the economic future of BiH.
“I’m glad the EU is financing this three-year project to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises as part of our continued commitment to businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through technical support and grants, we help companies engage in digital and green transformation, innovate, and become more competitive. A stronger, more resilient private sector is key to unlocking economic opportunities and bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the EU single market,” said Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to BiH.
Local partners will implement digital and green solutions for target groups, including export-oriented companies, start-ups, innovative firms, and businesses led by women and youth. The results of these grants will help improve policies and strategies, strengthening the digital and green ecosystem.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina faces complex challenges in its green and digital transition, which requires improved infrastructure, education, and alignment with EU policies. To access international markets, companies must modernise operations and comply with EU standards. Germany and the EU will help bridge this gap through this project,” said Jens Elsner, Program Director at GIZ.
Despite its strong economic potential, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces significant challenges in creating an environment where businesses can thrive. Chambers of commerce play a crucial role in helping businesses access financing, training, and expert advice, thereby facilitating the implementation of digital and green solutions.
“As part of this project, the Chamber’s task is to establish a Centre for Responsible Business, and we thank GIZ for their trust. This will be a local support centre that informs, raises awareness, and advises BiH companies on EU legislation, Green Agenda regulations, and standards, connecting them with local experts and service providers. This Centre will be the first line of support for industry in raising awareness about current and upcoming European legislation and the obligations of companies exporting to the EU,” said Dr. Vjekoslav Vuković, Vice President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH. He added that the Centre’s services will position the Chamber as a leader in promoting responsible business, building on its existing Green Economy profile and the website https://zelenaekonomija.komorabih.ba/, also established with GIZ support.
Through this project, GIZ will work directly with companies to adopt green and digital practices, improve access to finance, and provide technical support for digital transformation and eco-innovation. Meanwhile, the OECD will lead macro-level efforts focused on building the capacities of key stakeholders for long-term economic recovery planning and policy development.
The Ministry of Economy of Tuzla Canton, as part of the innovation hub in Tuzla and one of the project’s partners, will expand its support services to businesses in the green and digital transition process through the EU4PSD project.
As stated by Edin Duraković, Minister of Economy of Tuzla Canton, this project has a strategic dimension for the development of the region. In addition to direct support to companies, it contributes to strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, enhancing the capacity of the Digital Innovation HUB in Tuzla, and connecting actors from the public, private, and civil sectors. This creates the preconditions for inclusive, sustainable, and long-term resilient regional development.
“The Twin Transition project we are implementing represents a significant step forward in the strategic development of Tuzla Canton, as it directly strengthens the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises—especially those that are export-oriented or have the potential to access international markets. The Ministry supports this initiative and will continue actively working to create a favourable environment for innovation, investment, and economic growth,” said Duraković.
The European Union and the German government remain committed to supporting the private sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EU is funding the EU4PSD project with €8 million, along with an additional €1 million provided by the German government. EU4PSD is part of GIZ’s program “Sustainable Economic Development and Promotion of Employment (SEDEP)” in BiH, which also includes a component for strengthening vocational education and training (SVET), co-financed by the Swiss government.
More information about the EU4PSD project is available at https://digigreen.ba/eu4psd/
