The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers, Staša Košarac, met today in Bologna with representatives of FederUnacoma and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari on the sidelines of the International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition “EIMA International 2024.” They agreed to jointly push for the signing of a memorandum of cooperation in the field of agriculture with Italy.
“This would provide an excellent regulatory framework for continuing our cooperation,” Košarac stated in an Instagram post.
He added that a meeting with the relevant ministries from Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is planned in Trebinje by the end of the year to explore potential partnerships.
“I informed my interlocutors about a successful project model based on the strong relationship between Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This joint project between the governments of Republika Srpska and Hungary, valued at 28 million euros, aims to modernize equipment for agricultural producers in Republika Srpska, enhancing their competitiveness in the market,” Košarac noted.
According to him, it was agreed that, in cooperation with institutions in Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a partnership with Italy could be explored, following the Hungarian model. This would involve promoting Italian agricultural machinery produced in Republika Srpska and the Federation.
Košarac also proposed increasing Italian producers’ presence at agricultural fairs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially highlighting the Interagro fair in Bijeljina. He mentioned Italy could participate as a partner country or establish another form of collaboration.
Additionally, discussions included the possibility of establishing an institute for olives and wine in Trebinje, as well as a technical demonstration center that would showcase Italian capabilities, examples of good agricultural practices, and new technologies—especially in viticulture—aligned with the needs of Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source: RTRS
