In the continuation of his visit to Vienna, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković held a series of meetings dedicated to the concrete possibilities of a stronger connection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria through the economy, the labor market, education and the potential of the Bosnian community in this country.
During his visit to the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), Minister Konaković met with representatives of key departments of the Fund responsible for the integration and inclusion of migrants in Austrian society and the labor market, as well as with members of the Bosnian community who have significant professional and personal experience in these processes. Considering the number and strong presence of citizens originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Austria, the meeting was an opportunity to look at Austrian experiences from the perspective of one of the most significant Bosnia and Herzegovina communities in Europe. It was discussed how the knowledge, professional experience and connections that this community has built in Austria can be more strongly connected with the development needs and opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Specific opportunities for cooperation in the areas of professional workforce, education and recognition of qualifications, connections with companies, youth exchange and the development of joint European and pilot projects were especially discussed. Minister Konaković pointed out that the relationship with the diaspora should not only be reduced to maintaining ties with the homeland, but to build mechanisms through which its knowledge, experience and business networks can become part of a stronger connection of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Austria and the European market.
The economic dimension of the visit was the focus of the meeting with representatives of the Federation of Austrian Industry, which brought together representatives of the industrial sector and large Austrian companies, including companies already operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as those considering opportunities for future investments.
They discussed the investment potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the intensification of direct contacts between companies and the possibilities of a stronger inclusion of the domestic economy in the Austrian and European value chains. Special attention is paid to how to use the existing presence of Austrian capital and companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a basis for attracting new investments and expanding business cooperation to new sectors.
Minister Konaković pointed out that Austria, along with a close political partnership, represents one of the most important economic partners of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He emphasized that the developed trade relations and long-term experience of Austrian companies on the BiH market give additional credibility to Bosnia and Herzegovina as an investment destination, but also create space for a more ambitious approach to future cooperation.
It was assessed that for further progress, an even stronger direct connection of business communities is needed, through regular business forums, sectoral meetings, cooperation of chambers of commerce and investment institutions, and direct contacts of companies with concrete interest in investment.
The meetings in Vienna showed the breadth of relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria, which, in addition to a strong political partnership, have a solid economic and human basis. Connecting the potential of the BiH community, the Austrian experience and the interests of the business sector opens up space for the close relations between the two countries to increasingly turn into concrete projects, investments and opportunities for their citizens.
