The Federal Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry, Kemal Hrnjić, together with representatives of the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs, visited the Izačić Border Crossing, where a working meeting was held dedicated to border procedures and the future status of this crossing.
The purpose of the visit was to carry out a field screening of the situation so that member of the negotiating team Bosnia and Herzegovina would have verified and complete information in the upcoming talks with the Republic of Croatia.
Minister Hrnjić reminded that after 2024, on the initiative of the director of the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a diplomatic process was initiated that resulted in the opening of negotiations on changes to the treaty on borders signed in 2013.
“Now we are trying to change the existing contract. Our request goes in two directions, one is to increase the number of border crossings between BiH and Croatia, and to raise certain crossings to the highest category. Izačić is the most important for the Una-Sana canton,” emphasized Hrnjić.
As he explained, the BiH side insists that Izačić be given the status of BIP, which would enable the trade in goods of animal and plant origin, and even the trade in live animals.
“Our businessmen know best what a step forward that would be. I do not prejudge the outcome – the two commissions will do their part – but our message is clear: strong support for Izačić to get BIP status. I am optimistic,” said Hrnjić.
Director of FUZIP Ivana Prvulović pointed out that this institution already has an organized department at GP Izačić, where phytosanitary supervision is carried out, which is crucial for the export of products from BiH.
“For quick and efficient supervision, but also as a direct support to the economy, we want Izačić to be in the category of crossings where all inspections of goods can be carried out. As far as we are concerned, the inspection is ready and we could start the inspections today,” said Prvulović.
She emphasized that the role of FUZIP, in addition to consumer protection, is also the creation of a favorable business environment.
“We understand the strategic importance of Izačić as the most northwestern point of BiH and the closest point to the European Union. This is precisely why this initiative is aimed at helping the economy and increasing economic activity. We are capacitated and have all the necessary border inspections,” concluded Prvulović.
