Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Staša Košarac met today in Sarajevo with Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır to discuss strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the Ministry reported.
At the meeting, it was highlighted that the existing bilateral agreements and the Free Trade Agreement between BiH and Turkey represent an advantage and a solid foundation for improving foreign trade exchange to mutual benefit.
Košarac informed Kacır about the establishment and development of free zones in Republika Srpska, as well as the capacities of the existing free zones in the Federation of BiH.
The Turkish side expressed interest and readiness to engage in discussions with Republika Srpska institutions regarding their direct involvement in organizing free zones and attracting foreign investors. In this context, it was emphasized that the energy sector, tourism, and the metal and automotive industries are of particular interest to investors from Turkey, according to the statement.
Kacır and the delegation from the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology accepted Košarac’s invitation to participate in significant international summits and conferences in Republika Srpska next year, including the Balkan Solar Summit in Banja Luka, the Energy Summit in Trebinje, and the Jahorina Economic Forum.
Košarac highlighted that the current internal political relations in BiH are challenging due to the actions of the illegitimate High Representative Christian Schmidt and the proposed resolution on Srebrenica. He warned that this could seriously threaten not only relations within BiH but also in the region, according to the statement.
Košarac emphasized that the institutions of Republika Srpska and its representatives at the BiH level advocate for a policy of internal agreement and consistent implementation of the Dayton Agreement, without international interventionism.
Source: RTRS
