The 8th Jahorina Economic Forum, the leading regional event in the field of economics, officially opened today under the theme “Western Balkans Agenda – Growth Plan.” The central panel features the participation of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut.
“Jahorina has become a symbol of successful organization and a meeting point for people from the public and private sectors—visionaries who lead and inspire large communities through engagement in business networks. All of this is aimed at securing growth, progress, and a stable life,” said President Milorad Dodik.
“We used to say we wanted Republika Srpska to grow, and it has. That is an achievement in today’s conditions and should be recognized. Last year and continuing into this one, Srpska maintained a very low debt rate,” Dodik emphasized.
Goran Račić, President of the Economic Forum, stated that the goal of the event is to bring economic topics to the forefront.
“Our ambition is to contribute to regional strengthening and the creation of a common market. We have a plan to rapidly develop infrastructure. However, we are still not at the level of development we aspire to. Machines will increasingly replace human labor, yet we still have a surplus of workers in public enterprises. It can’t all be solved overnight—while the world itself is changing overnight. The differing approaches of major powers certainly don’t help us, but we can brand our region,” Račić said.
At the panel “Belgrade Expo 2027 – Over 100 Reasons for Pride,” Dušan Borovčanin, director of the Expo 2027 organizing company, spoke about the opportunities this global exhibition offers for businesses from Republika Srpska and BiH.
“For us as organizers, it is essential to present the event and all that Expo will bring—not only in Belgrade, but across the entire region, especially in Republika Srpska and BiH, which has already formally confirmed participation,” said Borovčanin.
He noted that Expo is a major platform that allows everyone to pursue their goals. So far, 104 countries have confirmed participation—more than initially planned.
“We will have more than 100 national days, during which high-level political and economic delegations will visit and explore not only the potential of Belgrade but the entire region—because the world is coming here, looking for business opportunities,” Borovčanin emphasized.
This year’s forum is focused on concrete strategies and steps toward sustainable development and economic transformation of the region. It brings together high-ranking officials from Republika Srpska, BiH, Serbia, and the region, leading economists, public and private sector leaders, representatives of international organizations, and investors—all with the goal of shaping the region’s future direction.
Source: RTRS
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