The Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, attended a working lunch at the invitation of the Governor General of Canada, Louise Arbour, during which he also spoke with the Canadian Minister of Finance and National Revenue, François-Philippe Champagne, Bećirović’s office announced.
During the conversation, the interlocutors considered possibilities for enhancing economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada, with a particular focus on trade, investments, innovation, new technologies, and the development of modern industry.
Bećirović emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada have been nurturing friendly relations for over three decades, and that there is significant room for further strengthening economic ties between the two countries. He highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has substantial development potential in the fields of energy, the defense industry, information technologies, the metal processing sector, and sustainable development. Bećirović also expressed interest in a stronger presence of Canadian companies and investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina especially stressed the exchange of experiences in the energy sector, including the development of renewable energy sources, efficient management of natural resources, and the valorization of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s significant hydro potential.
They also discussed opportunities for cooperation in sustainable tourism development, the enhancement of tourism infrastructure, and the promotion of natural and cultural potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Canadian market.
Bećirović also pointed out the importance of the large Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in Canada. The community represents a strong bridge of cooperation between the two countries and makes a significant contribution to society, economy, and public life of Canada.
During the meeting, contemporary security challenges were also discussed, including the growing impact of hybrid threats on political stability, democratic processes, and the economic development of states.
It was emphasized that disinformation, cyber threats, and various forms of malignant foreign influence can negatively affect the investment climate, investor confidence, and long-term development processes, which makes strengthening institutional resilience and international cooperation of particular importance.
The Chair of the Presidency of BiH stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic integration is an important factor in preserving peace, stability, and security, as well as a key framework for accelerating economic development, attracting foreign investments, strengthening the rule of law, and improving the business environment. He noted that progress on the European and Euro-Atlantic path contributes to greater confidence among international partners and investors, opening new opportunities for the sustainable development and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The interlocutors assessed that strengthening cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, tourism, and digital technologies could open up new development opportunities for both countries and contribute to stronger networking of business communities. Mutual readiness was expressed for further improvement of bilateral cooperation and the intensification of contacts between competent institutions, business communities, and investors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada.
Furthermore, Bećirović initiated the acceleration of activities regarding the signing of the Agreement on Social Security between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada, the statement concluded.
