Mirko Šarović, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, participated in the panel discussion “Advantages of regional energy cooperation” held within the Dubrovnik Forum 2016.
On behalf of BiH, Šarović expressed the desire to have one part of the Adriatic-Ionian gas line going through the Neum Bay and he pointed to the need for launching regional projects in the field of hydro potential, which is underexploited.
“Dubrovnik Forum is now much richer than before, with more initiatives. The main topic today was energy and it was not discussed by ministers only, but also by representatives of important companies from the field of energy, gas and oil. Dominant topics were in the field of regional connection with gas lines and oil pipelines in order to ensure certainty of supply and benefits for consumers regarding the price of gas and oil. We expressed the interest to have the main pipeline going through the territory of BiH, at least through the Neum Bay, because we think that would make our country a strong partner in this project. We expressed our request earlier and we feel like there is understanding for that request. The attitude of Croatia is important, because the Adriatic-Ionian gas line mostly goes through their territory. It is strategically important for BiH to be connected to the transit gas line and I am optimistic regarding that issue,” Mirko Šarović said.
Among other projects on the panel, Šarović emphasized that when it comes to electrical energy BiH has no problems with supply and that he is a regional leader in the export of that energy source, but that there are some unused potentials.
(Source: radiosarajevo.ba)