The second Regional Trade Summit has officially opened in Banja Luka, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the Balkans to discuss the future of trade, economic development and regional cooperation.
Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić emphasized the importance of the trade sector to the Republic’s economy, noting that it employs more than 50,000 people and continues to record steady growth.
“Trade enables Republika Srpska to maintain the exchange of goods and support essential economic activities. At this moment, the trade sector in Republika Srpska is showing continuous growth,” Minić said.
Government preparing new measures to support the economy
Minić acknowledged that certain industries are facing difficulties due to rising energy prices and changing market conditions.
He announced that the Government of Republika Srpska is preparing additional measures to address these challenges.
“That is why the Government of Republika Srpska is preparing a new package of appropriate measures, which we agreed upon yesterday and which will be adopted tomorrow in the form of official information documents,” Minić stated.
Dodik: Strong trade must be supported by domestic production
Milorad Dodik emphasized that Republika Srpska must continue strengthening its trade sector while simultaneously developing domestic production and the manufacturing industry.
“Trade is one of the most important parts of the economy. If you have a good product but cannot distribute it through commercial networks, you have achieved nothing,” Dodik said.
He stressed the importance of connecting producers with distribution networks to ensure that domestic products can reach consumers and compete effectively in the market.
Dodik also welcomed the opportunity to meet with business representatives and hear their proposals for improving conditions in the trade sector.
He said that direct communication with entrepreneurs and industry leaders could help identify practical initiatives for further economic development.
Trade accounts for 10 percent of Republika Srpska’s GDP
Goran Račić, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Republika Srpska, highlighted the sector’s substantial contribution to the economy.
According to Račić, trade accounts for approximately 10 percent of Republika Srpska’s gross domestic product, representing around BAM 2 billion.
“From that perspective, we can say that trade contributes almost as much to GDP as the manufacturing industry,” Račić explained.
The figures underline the importance of trade as one of the leading economic activities in Republika Srpska.
Five panel discussions and three lectures over two days
Summit director Dragana Božić announced that the two-day event will bring together business representatives, government officials and regional experts.
“We have five panel discussions, three lectures and numerous opportunities for conversations that could lead to new partnerships and contribute to the development of trade,” Božić said.
The first day of the summit focuses on regional cooperation and inspiring success stories from leading figures in the trade industry.
The second day will address the future of retail, digital transformation and preparations for EXPO 2027.
Organizers emphasized that the summit provides a platform for exchanging experiences, establishing business connections and exploring opportunities for stronger regional economic cooperation.
Among those attending the event are Republika Srpska Minister of Trade and Tourism Ned Puhovac and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Anđelka Kuzmić.
Source: RTRS
