The Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić, held a meeting on the situation at the New Steelworks Zenica with representatives of various ministries and institutions that can help overcome and stabilize the situation. The meeting resulted in a clear confirmation of the commitment of the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to stop the further collapse of this industrial system and to approach solving the problem through a coordinated and institutionally supported approach.
Instead of bankruptcy, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is initiating a process of consolidation and restructuring, with the aim of preserving production, jobs and the stability of the domestic industry.
“The New Steelworks Zenica represents an important segment of the economic chain in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with direct links to the Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elektroprivreda BiH, Energoinvest and other companies whose business depends on the stability of this sector. Its possible closure would have significant negative consequences for the economy and a large number of employees,” the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina said.
Over the past two months, the relevant ministry and the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina have continuously monitored the activities of the new owners and, within their competence, provided appropriate support. However, the company’s obligations to public companies, including Elektroprivreda BiH, Energoinvest and Željeznice FBiH, continued to grow, without clearly defined plans of the owners regarding the survival of the company for which the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings has already been announced, the FBiH Government said in a statement.
“The Government of the Federation of BiH has prepared a set of measures aimed at supporting companies of particular importance to the Federation, including Nova Željezara Zenica. Energoinvest has been recognized as the operational carrier of the potential consolidation process, given the company’s experience in managing complex industrial systems and recent results in stabilizing its own business with institutional support,” the FBiH Government stressed.
The Government of the Federation of BiH expects a constructive approach from the owners and a willingness to open up space for talks with partners who have the necessary knowledge, interest and capital. The Government of the Federation of BiH remains committed to preserving the industrial base and protecting jobs, and will not allow the closure of strategically important companies.
