The area of the Western Balkans should be built on an economy based on knowledge, technologies and sustainable resources, was the message from the opening of this year’s Jahorina Economic Forum. The forum was opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska, Savo Minić, who announced the forthcoming presentation of a national four-year program. Integrated regional market – idea supported by existing capacities. Faster flow of goods and services, mutual recognition of qualifications, diplomas and technological connectivity are concrete steps that bring better results, experts say. Therefore, the establishment of a single platform for customs, inspections and documentation between the Western Balkan countries is the focus of attention for the coming period.

Prime Minister Savo Minić announces presentation of a national four-year program. He also singles out individual projects that are the lifeblood of the Republic of Srpska according to him. Among other things, Banja Luka-Belgrade motorway, Banja Luka-Prijedor, gas pipeline throughout the Republic of Srpska and rehabilitation of roads. – Imagine, that will exceed almost five billion in contracted investments. For all these ideas, everything we hear today, everything you might say tomorrow, the day after tomorrow and every day, the Government of the Republic of Srpska is at your disposal to translate it into decisions and our national plan - says Savo Minić, Republic of Srpska Prime Minister.

– In the next 30 days, we will launch an initiative and invite all relevant ministers of the Western Balkan countries and open a dialogue on urgent establishment of a single one-stop shop at the borders. The goal is less waiting, less bureaucracy, more investment, more trade – said Goran Račić, President of the Jahorina Economic Forum.

Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac agrees that economic connectivity, innovation and sustainable development are of key importance for the future of the Republic of Srpska and the Western Balkans. He regrets that BiH did not join the Open Balkan initiative due to political circumstances, while at the same time stating that Srpska is committed to building an economy of cooperation. – The institutions of the Republic of Srpska continuously demonstrate that their actions are guided by imperatives related to the creation of a stable, safe and, above all, predictable business environment, which will stimulate domestic capital and foreign investments in the Republic of Srpska, create new jobs and, what is especially important, enable young people to build their future right here in Srpska – says Staša Košarac, Deputy Chairperson of the BiH Council of Ministers.

Previous years have also shown that dialogue makes sense, and that initiatives from the Jahorina Economic Forum have found their way to institutions and concrete solutions. The Jahorina Economic Forum brings together around 600 participants from 15 countries. In the shadow of geopolitical developments, there are several panels dealing with various topics, from finance and artificial intelligence in companies to the energy sector of the region.

Source and photo: RTRS