The Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, spoke with representatives of the World Bank as part of the activities marking 30 years of partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the World Bank.
Representatives of the World Bank emphasized the importance of projects that contributed to the economic development of the country and the improvement of the living conditions of citizens.
They also emphasized the importance of continuing this cooperation for future infrastructure projects and investments.
World Bank Executive Director Eugen Filip Rugenat handed Bećirović a publication published on the occasion of thirty years of cooperation between the World Bank and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It was emphasized that in the history of the World Bank, Bosnia and Herzegovina was the first country to emerge from the war and in just 28 years became a donor to the International Development Association (IDA).
Representatives of the World Bank proudly pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina has become a donor country to the World Bank since last year, stressing that Bosnia and Herzegovina during the period 1996-2000. was the largest per capita recipient of soft loans from the World Bank through IDA, thus demonstrating its significant progress and development.
Bećirović expressed his satisfaction with the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina has gone from a recipient of development aid to a partner of the World Bank.
“From a country that was one of the biggest users of development aid and soft loans, today we have become a reliable partner in the implementation of key projects. Our joint work has resulted in significant improvements in infrastructure, health, education and other sectors. This progress would not have been possible without continuous support and cooperation with the World Bank, for which we are extremely grateful,” said Bećirović.
A special reason for the meeting, in addition to the celebration of 30 years of partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the World Bank, is also the celebration of 20 years since the restoration of the Old Bridge in Mostar.
Representatives of the World Bank emphasized the importance of previous investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By the end of 2022, the World Bank has invested about 2.8 billion US dollars in BiH through 95 projects.
Also, during the period 2023-2024. year, two additional projects worth about 150 million US dollars were agreed upon.
Of particular note is the most important investor, IDA, which also invested in the reconstruction of the Old Bridge in Mostar as part of its 65 projects.
This meeting once again confirmed the strong cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the World Bank. Bećirović and representatives of the World Bank expressed their joint commitment to continuing work on projects that will bring further economic and social progress, the BiH Presidency announced.
