The International Economic Fair in Mostar this year confirmed its status as one of the most successful fair events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the number of exhibitors and visitors. It is an event that gathers domestic and foreign companies in one place, providing them with an opportunity to present their achievements and establish new business contacts. Already on the first day, the diverse and rich offer attracted a large number of visitors.
Italy as an important partner
Last year’s partner country, the Republic of Italy, is also participating as an exhibitor this year, continuing to strengthen economic ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina through an impressive pavilion. Special attention was drawn to the gastronomic content, including “show cooking”, in which ten Italian companies participate.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarah Eti Castellani, emphasized the importance of the fair.
“This is a very important fair, a fair of international importance where, in addition to business connections, friendships are created and all that this kind of meeting place can offer,” said Castellani.
The global crisis and instability in the Middle East affect all countries, but also open up space for strengthening cooperation and resilience.
“I hope that the European Union will come out of all this even stronger, and of course I wish the same for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which I hope will speed up its process of joining the European Union, which Italy wholeheartedly supports,” said Castellani.
Regional cooperation in focus
The Serbian Chamber of Commerce is actively participating in the fair again this year, organizing business meetings and B2B meetings. Cooperation is growing year by year, and in 2025 an exchange worth 3.3 billion convertible marks was recorded, along with significant investments. Exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Serbia increased by 28 percent.
The head of the Center for Regional Cooperation in the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Aleksandar Radovanović, emphasized the broader significance of the event.
“This is a regional fair that brings together the entire region, not only the Western Balkans, which are outside the European Union, but also Italy, Greece, Croatia and Slovenia. It is a macro-region of the European Union, the Adriatic-Ionian region, and it represents a good opportunity and a valuable platform for economic networking,” said Radovanović.
An opportunity for domestic producers
The fair also represents a significant opportunity for domestic producers. Among the exhibitors is a Mostar-based natural cosmetics brand, which has been successfully operating on the market for 12 years.
Brand representative Gloria Volarić Galić highlighted her expectations for the event.
“We want to make contacts with new potential customers, present our products and services, but also open the door to new collaborations,” said Galić.
There is also great interest in the production of custom-made furniture, and Herzegovina’s winemakers traditionally attract attention.
Director of the company Gala Group Mostar Marko Galić emphasized the growth in demand.
“The demand for custom-made furniture is very high and we have modernized production so that we can respond to all the demands of the domestic market, and we also export a part of our products abroad,” said Galić.
The survey among exhibitors also highlighted their long-standing presence at the fair.
“We have been here for ten years in a row at the economy fair. We come from Vionica and expect a large number of visitors, both at our stand and at the fair in general,” the exhibitors stated.
Awards and professional program
Traditionally, awards will be given to the most successful winemakers and recognition to exhibitors for the most successful performances at the fair. During the five days of the fair, Mostar will be the center of new business ideas, with various conferences and professional programs.
