Returning economic topics to the forefront and creating a unified economic region were some of the key messages of this year’s “Jahorina Economic Forum.” Speaking at the closing panel titled “Conversation with the Prime Minister,” the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković, said that the Government’s measures since 2018 have produced results and that there is no fear of unexpected surges.
Preserving jobs, increasing wages, and reducing worker outflow—these were the goals that the Government of Republika Srpska has successfully achieved since 2018. In cooperation with the business community, it implemented measures that yielded results, including reducing the burden on the economy. That’s why Republika Srpska is recognized as an attractive investment destination and ranks among the top ten most desirable countries for investment, said the Prime Minister.
“What would have happened to our economy today if we hadn’t implemented all those measures? Those measures amounted to approximately 400 million BAM. That amount was invested in our real sector. And that real sector gave it back through increased direct taxes,” said Višković.
“Republika Srpska last year had a positive GDP growth rate of 2.9 percent. If I remember correctly, GDP growth was positive in all four quarters,” said the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Republika Srpska, Pero Ćorić.
The government will also focus on technological development, where, according to the Prime Minister, a serious legal framework must be established for the field of artificial intelligence.
Among the priorities is encouraging the return of young people. Višković also announced changes regarding the Employment Bureau. He said the current system is unsustainable and will not exist in this form after next year.
“At the Employment Bureau, we have—quote-unquote—unemployed individuals who work more than us and earn more than us. They are listed at the Bureau to gain health insurance benefits for themselves and their families, while simultaneously working unregistered jobs. Everyone turns a blind eye. We can’t allow that anymore,” said Višković.
The Jahorina Economic Forum emphasized the importance of connectivity and creating a favorable regional business environment. A good example is the cooperation between Republika Srpska and Serbia and their chambers of commerce.
“Exports are about 18 percent, total trade 22 percent, growth—that’s the result of our special relations, the work of the chambers, regionalization, and creating a good business environment,” emphasized the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina, Boško Vučurević.
Integrating the region, creating a unified economic area, and insisting that authorities in BiH and the region focus their activities on economic issues are the key messages of this year’s “Jahorina Economic Forum.”
“Our own knowledge and initiative must be the driving force behind the development of this region. If we do not integrate regionally and remove the existing barriers among us, it will be difficult to implement all the initiatives and obligations that the countries of the region have undertaken,” noted the President of the “Jahorina Economic Forum,” Goran Račić.
The forum’s conclusions will be published within the next ten days and, as in previous years, the institutions of Republika Srpska will place them on their agenda and use them as recommendations.
Source: RTRS
