Leading global manufacturers, including “Caterpillar,” will showcase their technology, home appliances, electronics, robotics, and various machinery at the second International Economic Fair “Expo 2025” in Banja Luka.
This significant fair, scheduled from March 18 to 21 at the Student City complex of the University of Banja Luka, has drawn immense interest from businesses in Republika Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and beyond. Over 450 exhibitors have already registered, and the numbers continue to grow.
The inaugural “Expo 2024,” organized last year by Banja Luka firms “RS Consulting and Trade” d.o.o. and “Elite Fair” d.o.o., attracted around 300 participants from across the region.
Slaviša Kovačević, President of the Fair’s Management Board, told Glas Srpske that this year’s interest has surpassed all expectations, with exhibitors from diverse sectors participating.
“Exhibitors from construction, electrical engineering, mechanical and wood industries, IT, robotics, banking, insurance, real estate, design, architecture, and many other economic segments will have the opportunity to present their offerings,” said Kovačević. He noted that last year’s three-day fair has been extended by a day this year based on participant feedback.
Unlike the previous fair, this year’s event will feature more expert panels, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship of Republika Srpska, addressing topics such as incentives available to businesses in Srpska.
“The second International Economic Fair in Banja Luka, spanning nearly 20,000 square meters across six halls, will provide valuable insights for Srpska’s business community,” said Kovačević. He highlighted the increased participation of exhibitors from the Federation of BiH this year as a positive development.
The primary goal of this event, he emphasized, is to establish a serious economic fair in Srpska, which last year’s success proved to be achievable.
“We expect this year’s event to rival the Mostar Economic Fair in terms of the number of exhibitors, with participants from China, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and other countries attending for the first time in Banja Luka,” said Kovačević, inviting businesses that have yet to register to do so within the next 15 days, as preparations are nearing completion.
Kovačević noted that these fairs are excellent opportunities for connecting business entities within BiH and beyond, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences while showcasing products and services to a wider audience.
“In late February, we are also organizing the fifth Tourism Fair in Banja Luka, featuring exhibitors from ten regional countries. Montenegro will be the partner country for the first time, presenting its tourism potential alongside Hungary, Russia, Greece, and friendly countries like Serbia,” announced Kovačević. He added that another fair, a joint venture between Srpska and Serbia, is planned for the second half of the year.
Additionally, the Children’s Fair in Banja Luka will return for its sixth edition in October, featuring a new concept to delight young and adult visitors alike.
“The Agricultural Fair in Gradiška, which we organize in the city on the Sava River, has become the largest agricultural fair in Srpska,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of such events for Banja Luka and Srpska’s development, Kovačević mentioned that four hotels are already fully booked for the upcoming Tourism Fair. He anticipates even greater numbers for the Economic Fair.
“Our biggest challenge is the lack of a sufficiently large exhibition space in Banja Luka, as the city’s Velesajam has been non-operational for years. We plan to address this issue with relevant institutions and hope to establish a new fairground soon, which will drive the development of Banja Luka and Srpska,” said Kovačević.
He emphasized that his company has approached this venture seriously, creating well-organized fair events in Banja Luka with sufficient personnel to handle all logistical needs.
“Last year, we also upgraded our exhibition equipment, eliminating the need to outsource such services within BiH,” Kovačević added.
Support
Kovačević expressed gratitude to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, who recognized the significance of the International Economic Fair in Banja Luka, as well as the Republika Srpska Government, which sponsors the event.
“To provide Banja Luka with what other regional centers have, President Milorad Dodik engaged all relevant ministries to support this event,” Kovačević said, thanking the Minister of Trade and Tourism of Srpska, Denis Šulić, and the BiH Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Staša Košarac. He noted that organizing fairs with institutional support is a rewarding endeavor.
Source: Glas Srpske
