Bosnia and Herzegovina and Herzegovina is firmly placing itself on the map in global tourism markets, leaving behind its conflict-ridden past. The country, which maintains high standards in health and education fields, is projected to have the third highest tourism growth rate in the world and is considered one of the fastest growing economies in the region. With longstanding relations with Sri Lanka, Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic during a recent visit to Sri Lanka speaking to Daily FT called for improved trade relations focusing on tourism, sharing of resources and knowledge for promotion and exchanges between the two countries.
“We are very similar countries for different reasons. One of the most important is that that we are both beautiful countries, with natural beauty. Another similarity is that we very rich histories, many monuments and a long history of existence. The third reason is that we are both multicultural, we have different religions in Bosnia like in Sri Lanka, we have different ethnic groups in Bosnia like in Sri Lanka, and we are trying to harmonize different ethnic groups and like in Sri Lanka, it is an advantage to have a multi-ethnic country. Similar to Sri Lanka we also have an unfortunate past, we had an internal conflict. But a similar thing and a very positive thing is that both countries have overcome the past and we are creating a bright future and we have good economic perspectives,” Ambassador Subasic said.
“We have economic prosperity in both countries, and like Sri Lanka, Bosnia is one of the fastest growing economies in our region. So, these are the similarities we have that are very particular. Because of the similarities we can share our experiences and we can use those opportunities much more than what we are doing now. We have to do much more in economic partnerships and we have to do much more in cultural exchange, sports and education exchange as well,” he added.
One point which is important – according to World Tourism Organization, Bosnia is one of the fast growing destinations in the world. We are third fastest growing tourism destination in the world. I know that tourism in Sri Lanka is booming and it should be improving much more. I think we should have more cooperation in the area of tourism cooperation, more exchange of ideas. Sri Lanka needs more facilities and infrastructure for tourism, so I think it would be better to establish more cooperation in that area to improve tourism promotion in both countries. Apart from that we have to improve tourism exchange to increase the number of Bosnian tourists visiting Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans visiting Bosnia. We have established links with the Sri Lanka tourism industry and in Bosnia we are working towards this and we will see what we can do.
When it comes to with ministries of the two countries, Ambassador Subasic says they are in discussion with dignitaries with the Sri Lanka tourism industry and that he suggested exchanges of officials to explore new ideas between the two countries.
“I would love to have more cooperation in the area of education, in terms of student exchanges – that is an excellent instrument for improving bilateral relations; students are excellent ambassadors for countries,” Ambassador concluded.
(Photo: klix)
