Laktaši has been declared the most favorable micro or small city for investment in Europe for three consecutive years by “The Financial Times,” stated the Mayor of Laktaši, Miroslav Bojić.
Bojić mentioned that such recognition from a reputable magazine serves as an additional motivator and a sign that the work in Laktaši is valued.
“The largest investments in Republika Srpska are being realized in Laktaši. According to our estimates, more than 3 million KM has been invested. We have many foreign investments, and domestic companies are also developing at full capacity,” said Bojić.
He noted that the current largest investment in Laktaši is the facility of the German company Male, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the opening anticipated in February or March of the next year. The facility covers an area of 30,000 square meters.
Bojić emphasized that this company is already operating in Laktaši, but they needed a new facility due to their expansion, and they offered the company the best conditions. This company employs 520 workers.
Bojić also mentioned that the construction of the factory of the company Iskra Tela L in Mahovljani is nearing completion, and occupancy is planned by the end of the year. The facility covers an area of 15,000 square meters.
Highlighting another significant investment, Bojić mentioned the company PMP Industries, which is engaged in the production of parts for concrete mixers.
Regarding the dominant economic sector in Laktaši, Bojić stated that it is the metal sector, as well as wood processing.
“We have 960 registered companies, and this sector is consolidating. The economy of Laktaši has quadrupled compared to four years ago,” said Bojić.
The Mayor of Laktaši explained that when investors come to a region, they consider many factors.
“Investors are first interested in land prices, locations, conditions, infrastructure, and energy supply. Access to city administration is important to them; they want to be warmly welcomed and have good communication. We strive to be flexible and accessible, to quickly solve our procedures,” said Bojić.
He mentioned that investors often praise them for the fast permit acquisition procedures.
“Building permits are issued in one to five days. Regulatory plans are issued in four months, only as much time as needed to comply with all legal processes,” said Bojić.
Bojić stated that one of the parameters that investors consider is the qualified workforce.
“That is why we started building the High School Center, with the support of the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and the Government of Srpska. We want to create the most modern High School Center. At the Economic Council of the City of Laktaši, we concluded that the High School Center is the most important item for the further development of Laktaši, and businesspeople stated that they would help with equipping,” said Bojić. He added that the first students will sit in classrooms in September 2025 when all necessary works are completed, and teaching staff is employed.
Bojić also mentioned efforts to expand capacities in preschool institutions, i.e., kindergartens.
“We have increased the capacities of kindergartens in Laktaši. In Aleksandrovac, we added a nursery group. Veliko Blaško got its kindergarten – a beautiful facility built with the support of the Government, and the city invested funds, providing us with 55 places, and capacity expansion is planned,” he said.
