The Israeli Chamber of Commerce Office was officially opened in Banja Luka, providing a new platform for strengthening economic ties between Israel and Republika Srpska, attracting investment, and expanding cooperation in sectors with significant development potential.
The ceremony was held at the Administrative Centre of the Government of Republika Srpska and was described as another step toward deepening relations between Republika Srpska and Israel.
Acting Director of the Republika Srpska Office for International Cooperation Ana Trišić Babić and President of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce in Republika Srpska Amir Gross Kabiri signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at advancing economic, investment, technological, and other forms of cooperation between Republika Srpska and Israel.
Trišić Babić described the establishment of the Chamber as an important occasion for Republika Srpska, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recognition of the event further strengthened efforts to turn the partnership into a long-term success story.
“We see Prime Minister Netanyahu’s support as a message that Republika Srpska has a sincere friend in Israel who stands by us,” Trišić Babić said.
She emphasized that Israel and Republika Srpska have cultivated a close friendship for years, rooted, according to her, in shared historical experiences, present-day challenges, and mutual understanding between the Serbian and Jewish peoples.
Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli said the relationship should now move from friendship toward greater investment, emphasizing that Israel has much to offer.
Chikli described the opening as a significant milestone following a two-and-a-half-year process and said he was honored to be the first Israeli minister formally welcomed in Republika Srpska.
“It is truly a great honor to be here in Banja Luka, and I would like to thank the Government of Republika Srpska for welcoming us with such respect and hospitality. More importantly, thank you for the friendship and solidarity you have shown toward the State of Israel and the Jewish people,” Chikli said.
Milorad Dodik said the opening of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce in Republika Srpska represents another element in building the friendship between the two sides and provides new confidence for ambitious development plans.
He emphasized that Israel and Republika Srpska stand side by side and spoke about the historical resilience of the Serbian and Jewish peoples.
“Those strong hands did not allow our enemies to trample our flags, knowing that when symbols disappear, an entire people disappears. Israel is not only our friend but our partner, and we want to implement here some of the things that have been done so successfully in their country, to show that we can do it as well,” Dodik said.
The ceremony was attended by President of Republika Srpska Siniša Karan, Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić, Milorad Dodik, Serb member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Željka Cvijanović, Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli, Israeli Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Galit Peleg, ministers in the Government of Republika Srpska, business representatives, and other guests.
The event was hosted by Ana Trišić Babić and Amir Gross Kabiri.
The Chamber of Commerce of Republika Srpska said the opening of the office represents a significant step toward stronger connections between businesses, while the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship noted that Israeli companies have already expressed interest in investing in Republika Srpska.
A significant investment is also expected to be announced, further highlighting the potential of expanding economic cooperation between Republika Srpska and Israel.
Amir Gross Kabiri, a prominent Israeli businessman and industrialist who has been operating successfully in Bosnia and Herzegovina for years, serves as president of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to Banja Luka, the Israeli Chamber of Commerce also has an office in Mostar.
Source: RTRS
