During a visit to Derventa, Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation Zlatan Klokić said that the Ministry would finance and support economic and tourism projects of this local community, including operation of the company Gatarić Group, which had significant production and sales on the European market.

Minister Klokić visited the company Gatarić Group in Derventa yesterday, accompanied by Mayor Igor Žunić and Deputy Mayor Slaven Gojković.

During the visit, Minister Klokić and company management discussed the possibilities of expanding its business to foreign markets and the support that the relevant ministry could provide through the representative offices of the Republic of Srpska abroad.

– I would like to congratulate Mr. Gatarić and the team of people who have positioned this company so highly. We discussed their appearances and activity expansion outside BiH borders. Through Srpska’s representative offices, the Ministry will assist their appearance at fairs abroad, primarily in Austria and Germany, Klokić said, adding that companies like Gatarić Group were true promoters of the Republic of Srpska.

He stated that the continuity of appearances at international fairs was key to long-term results, and also announced support for employees of the Derventa City Administration to facilitate their applying for the organization of the Economy Fair next year.

The company’s sales director, Nenad Ratkovac, presented the Minister with the business results and development of the company, which has been operating on the BiH and regional markets for more than 30 years.

– Our range includes office and school supplies, promotional items, occupational hygiene and a fashion program. We are present throughout BiH, but also in the region – in Serbia, Croatia, and we also export to European Union countries, such as Austria, Germany, Bulgaria and Slovakia. Today, our goods reach more than 30 countries around the world, said Ratkovac.

He noted that the company’s success lay in the enthusiasm, dedication and vision of the founder Bojko Gatarić and the entire team consisting of 220 employees, including 160 in BiH, 50 in Serbia and 10 in Croatia.

Mayor Igor Žunić expressed pride that a company that is the city’s true ambassador had developed in Derventa.

– Gatarić Group is the pride of Derventa, an example of a successful company that started in our city and grew into a serious regional and European actor. Mr. Gatarić and his team have brought many foreign businessmen to Derventa, they love their city and it shows in everything they do. We, as the local government, are always at their disposal, and we are currently discussing the expansion of their capacities at a new location, said Žunić.

He thanked Minister Klokić for his support and recognition of the importance of this company for Derventa and the Republic of Srpska.

The visit ended with a tour of the company’s production and storage capacities.

Meeting with Mayor Igor Žunić discussed the economic development of Derventa and the wider region, and the Minister said that the Ministry would assist in training Derventa City Administration employees and writing projects eligible for financing by foreign donors and the EU.

Minister Klokić stated that what had been discussed at the meeting could also significantly contribute to the economic development of the Republic of Srpska.

Several ministers of the Government of the Republic of Srpska are currently visiting Brod, Vukosavlje, Derventa, Šamac and Modriča to discuss plans and support for further development with local communities.

Source: Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation – SRNA – Derventa Cafe

Photo: Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation