Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B&H Denis Zvizdic said that GDP of B&H was increased by 2 % this year, and that the increase over 3 % is expected in the upcoming year. He said that the Council of Ministers of B&H is fully committed to meet the deadline of the Presidency of B&H in order for our country to submit the application for membership in the European Union in January.
Are you satisfied with the work of the Council of Ministers of B&H and what will be the priorities of the Council in the year of 2016?
I am satisfied with the work of the Council of Ministers of B&H because, according to the relevant individuals and organizations, we made significant steps forward towards European integration, economic growth and strengthening of the rule of law. So, after a long period that was marked by setbacks, we can say that we made a positive result, both in domestic and international level.
The priorities of the Council of Ministers will not be significantly changed in 2016. We’ll keep our focus on the implementation of measures and activities related to the more accelerated continuation of the path of B&H towards EU and NATO membership, improvement of business environment, the increase of living standards of citizens of B&H, an increased level of security and the strengthening of good neighborly relations and regional cooperation.
If we managed to maintain a positive political environment and readiness to achieve constructive agreements, as well as the current progress of implementation of key priorities, then the year of 2016 will be marked by a number of very positive progresses on European, the economic and social plans, such as the submission of the application for EU membership, activation of the Action Plan for Membership in NATO, the finalization of the processed related to the full membership of B&H in the WTO, further economic growth, and, the most importantly, opening of new workplaces.
What do you consider as important success of the new Council of Ministers?
Returning confidence in the institutions of B&H. We showed very clearly that we are willing to take on responsibilities and implement them within the planned extent and defined deadlines. It is clearly stated in the report of the European Commission to B&H in 2015, in the conclusions of the first meeting of the Committee for Stabilization and Association, chaired by EU High Representative Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn, in the report and the results of the Chairmanship of B&H over Council of Europe … These are just some of the events, processes and reports that are clearly demonstrating that the efforts of the Council of Ministers of B&H recognized as credible steps forward in the implementation of the goals related to the acceleration of European integration.
We have to mention the adoption of the economic Reform Agenda, which, as a joint document of all governments in B&H, became recognizable and directing framework of reform activities of all levels of government. We should also mentioned the growth of vital economic parameters, decrease of unemployment rate and increase in the number of employed citizens, increase of exports, reducing of the trade deficit, increasing of competitiveness of our companies and products etc. So, the strengthening of regional cooperation and active participation in a number of economic projects that are related to transport and energetic connections of the countries of Western Balkans is another very important step and important activity of the Council of Ministers.
In which way is our country planning to fight against terrorism?
Increased level of coordination between all police and security agencies in B&H, with prevention, education and raising of public awareness about the dangers and consequences of all forms of extremism, radicalism and terrorism, and, at the end, with measures of repression, if needed.
Of course, in purpose of protecting human rights, all measures for fight against terrorism must be consistent with national and international law. Security is one of the most important requirements of our overall progress, thus it will continue to be a high priority in the work of the Council of Ministers.
(Source: klix.ba)
