Srpska has the most favorable business environment in the region

The Third Investment Conference “Invest Srpska” is currently taking place in Banja Vrućica near Teslić, organized by the Investment and Development Bank of Republika Srpska, with the support of President Milorad Dodik.

The opening and the first panel include the participation of the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković.

The conference, under the slogan “Our Vision = Srpska,” is attended by the Minister of Economy and Entrepreneurship, Vojin Mitrović, Finance Minister Zora Vidović, Director of the Investment and Development Bank Dražen Vrhovac, business leaders, mayors of certain local communities, and numerous guests.

Višković invited investors to invest in Republika Srpska, stating that it has the most favorable business environment in the region.

He mentioned saturation in companies operating in the EU regarding energy prices and workforce, highlighting the quality, diligence, and expertise of the workforce in Srpska.

Višković emphasized that Republika Srpska has potential and significant advantages for foreign investments, with the current investment cycle exceeding four billion BAM.

– In 2023, Republika Srpska has almost more than 500 million BAM higher investments than in the previous period – Višković said.

He pointed out that the advantages of Republika Srpska lie in its geographical location, tax incentives, and other facilitations, despite the challenging political situation at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Višković stressed that investors are sought in Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia.

The Secretary-General of the European Banking Association, Marcel Roj, informed the attendees about the work of this association of banks, of which the Investment and Development Bank of Republika Srpska is a member. He described the conference “Invest Srpska” as a platform for further work to mobilize all stakeholders to invest in Republika Srpska in the coming period, which is beneficial in the EU accession process.

The President of the Chamber of Commerce of Republika Srpska, Pero Ćorić, stated that conferences are a good way to achieve the goal, which is a strong Republika Srpska whose strength depends on the economy, and everyone must be united in this process.

Director of IRB, Dražen Vrhovac, announced that the conclusions from this investment forum will address issues identified in domestic export-oriented companies and local communities to strengthen the economic environment in Republika Srpska.

During the first panel “Investments and How to Attract New Investors,” the importance of investments and ways to ensure their dynamic growth in light of current global events, which also affect the economy of Srpska, will be discussed.

Current topics related to exports require special attention, given all the economic benefits of intensive and internationally recognizable export activity, which will be the theme of the second panel “Challenges and Financing Needs of Exports.”

“Local Communities – the Right Place for Investment” is the title of the third panel, where challenges and opportunities for investment will be discussed from the perspective of local authorities.

IRB organizes the third investment conference with the support of President Milorad Dodik, bringing together key decision-makers, representatives of local self-government units, and business and financial communities of Republika Srpska and the region, as reported by RTRS.