The Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States (U.S.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), John Ginkel, on Thursday welcomed a high-level delegation of the Bechtel corporation, one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies.
The visit comes at a key moment for BiH, and according to announcements, the focus of the talks will be strategic infrastructure projects and reducing the country’s energy dependence.
Alongside representatives of Bechtel, the delegation also includes members of USTDA (the U.S. Trade and Development Agency), which plays an important role in supporting projects implemented abroad by the U.S. private sector.
In an official statement by the U.S. Embassy, it was noted that Bechtel is “exploring new opportunities” and that they are looking forward to discussions on how the company can help BiH secure energy independence.
This message can be interpreted as a clear signal toward the Southern Gas Interconnection. The U.S. has for a long time strongly advocated this project, with the aim of freeing BiH from complete dependence on Russian gas.
This initiative has been further intensified in recent days, following meetings between John Ginkel and representatives of the Government of the Federation of BiH (FBiH), the Foreign Trade Chamber, as well as members of the technical working group for the Southern Interconnection.
The arrival of Bechtel, a company that builds oil pipelines, gas pipelines, and LNG terminals around the world, could mean a shift from political messages to concrete steps and the start of the implementation of this strategically important energy project.
In addition to energy, Bechtel’s visit also opens opportunities in the field of road infrastructure. This U.S. company is very active in the region – in Serbia, in a consortium with the Turkish company ENKA, it is building the Morava Corridor, the first digital highway in that country. In the past, Bechtel was also one of the key contractors on highways in Croatia, Kosovo, and Albania.
Bechtel could also show interest in certain sections of Corridor Vc, as well as in express roads across BiH.
On the other hand, USTDA is known for financing feasibility studies and pilot projects, thereby reducing investment risk and opening the door to the entry of U.S. technology and expertise.
“We look forward to meetings with leaders from across BiH and discussions on how one of the world’s leading engineering and construction companies can help BiH stimulate economic development,” the U.S. Embassy said.
