As part of the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Antonio Tajani, to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a meeting entitled Economic Dialogue: Italy – BiH was held at the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, and on that occasion the signing ceremony of the bilateral Agreement on Economic Cooperation was held. between these two countries.
The meeting was attended by numerous domestic and Italian entrepreneurs, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Elmedin Konaković, the head of Italian diplomacy Tajani and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Staša Košarac spoke about cooperation and the possibilities and importance of its strengthening.
Košarac and Tajani signed the Agreement on economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy.
The host of the meeting and the president of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH Vjekoslav Vuković pointed out that Italy is a big investor in BiH and that BiH exported goods worth 1.5 billion convertible marks to Italy last year.
“This event speaks in favor of the fact that this is a special stamp that the Chamber of Foreign Trade is recognized as a sincere partner of the economic community of BiH towards its complete and clear European path. We have shown this many times through participation in the Eurochamber, through participation in the European Parliament of Enterprises, where we succeeded to introduce a special chapter in the business community, the so-called business chapter, so that the voice of those who are affected by this European path can be heard,” Vuković said.
The president of the Association of Italian Companies in BiH, Giuseppe Franki, pointed out that the companies he represents in BiH are not so numerous, but that they are very high-quality companies that represent various sectors of the international industry.
“These companies represent what Italy exports to the international market. Minister Tajani’s visit today is extremely important because Italy wants to maintain relations with Europe and the world, but especially with the countries of Eastern Europe and the countries of the Western Balkans. I am an entrepreneur who created a company 20 years ago here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the conditions have changed, I think this is a great opportunity, not only for trade here, but also globally. My message to all entrepreneurs is to be brave,” said Franki.
The Minister of Communications and Transport of BiH Edin Forto pointed out that he arrived at this meeting during the break of the session of the Council of Ministers of BiH before the discussion on the Law on Prevention of Interest, which he said will be a key step forward for BiH in taking over the acquis of the European Union.
“It is not only a matter of a bureaucratic nature in the sense of rewriting laws from the EU, but this is the essence of not having to make agreements bilaterally with every member of the EU”, said Forto and added that without the European Union market B&H. the economy would not be able to survive.
Vice President of the Council of Ministers of BiH and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Staša Košarac emphasized that the foreign policy goal of BiH is very clearly defined and that it is membership in the European Union.
“What is important is that the institutions make a continuous effort in order to meet certain standards and help the real sector,” Košarac said.
Pointing to the fact that more than 70 bh. exports of goods go directly to the countries of the European Union, Košarac said that this should be preserved and improved.
“Our commitment is precisely on this plan, to work with European partners to meet the conditions and standards so that our businessmen can be established on the European Union market,” Košarac said.
He expressed his belief that the Agreement signed today and the economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy will improve bilateral relations, AA writes.
