Republika Srpska is seeking to attract new investment, with more than 100 Chinese business representatives attending the Investment and Business Cooperation Forum in Banja Luka, highlighting growing interest from one of the world’s leading economies.
The forum, organized by the Republika Srpska Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Republika Srpska, brought together government officials, Chinese and local business representatives, institutions, and members of the academic community.
Its goal was to strengthen economic cooperation, showcase the investment potential of Republika Srpska, and create opportunities for new business partnerships and investments.
President of Republika Srpska Siniša Karan said the forum demonstrated the economic potential Republika Srpska can offer for future development.
“Forums like this and business investments in Republika Srpska are the best indication of its strength, investment opportunities, and the potential we can offer for the further development of our Republic,” Karan said.
He said it was particularly encouraging that China, as one of the world’s major economies, was showing interest in Republika Srpska.
According to Karan, Republika Srpska is working to present its potential to investors from around the world. He noted that an Israeli Chamber of Commerce office had recently opened in Banja Luka and that contacts had previously been established with American and Russian business representatives.
“All of this is the result of years of persistent efforts by the leadership of Republika Srpska to create an environment capable of attracting strong economies,” Karan said.
He stressed that attracting capital requires a stable and predictable business environment in which Republika Srpska is recognized as a secure investment destination, with fewer administrative barriers and easier movement of capital.
“The interests are mutual. We have something to offer them, and they have something to offer us. This is the right way for politics and business to work together to build a strong Republika Srpska,” Karan said.
Prime Minister Savo Minić said Republika Srpska is currently undergoing a major investment cycle, making it particularly important to expand cooperation with Chinese partners.
Minić expressed satisfaction with ongoing projects and preparations for new ventures involving Chinese companies, particularly in road infrastructure, energy, and healthcare.
“I believe there is already confidence among Chinese partners, as well as interested businesses from Republika Srpska, that we can expand our cooperation into other areas,” Minić said.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to China Siniša Berjan said the Embassy had held intensive talks with Chinese companies and business representatives in recent months and invited them to explore the potential of Republika Srpska firsthand.
“They came with the clear intention of discussing economic cooperation and exploring investment opportunities,” Berjan said.
Goran Račić, President of the Republika Srpska Chamber of Commerce, said interest among local businesses in cooperation with China was very high.
Around 40 local business representatives participated in the forum, including companies already cooperating with China and those seeking to establish new business relationships.
Račić identified energy, food processing, and other sectors in which Republika Srpska has significant resources and competitive advantages as particularly promising areas for cooperation.
“We have excellent energy resources, and we know that China is a leader in solar energy. We also have significant potential in food processing, while our tax system is more favorable compared with those offered by other Western Balkan countries,” Račić said.
Nedeljko Ćorić, acting director of the Investment-Development Bank of Republika Srpska, said the meeting provided an opportunity to present concrete projects to potential Chinese partners.
“We have major projects that we are implementing with China and Chinese investors, and I am confident that this cooperation will continue. We have seven projects from different sectors that we will present to Chinese partners, most of them in the energy sector,” Ćorić said.
SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said Republika Srpska was making every effort to create new opportunities for attracting investment and described cooperation with China as one of the important directions.
He argued that economic changes in Europe and around the world were creating a need to seek new markets and partners.
“We are looking for those alternatives through forums like this, through the opening of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce office, and through the visit of this significant Chinese delegation,” Dodik said.
He noted that Republika Srpska already has experience implementing major infrastructure and energy projects with Chinese partners, highlighting the Stanari Thermal Power Plant.
As part of the forum, Ranko Škrbić, acting rector of the University of Banja Luka, received the Global FRED Award for his contribution to international cooperation and the promotion of Republika Srpska.
“This award is the result not only of my work, but also of the full understanding and support of Republika Srpska institutions. I have worked on the development of Republika Srpska, its international promotion, and cooperation,” Škrbić said.
The event also included the signing of an agricultural machinery donation agreement between the University of Banja Luka, the University of East Sarajevo, Jiangsu University, and Jiangsu World Agricultural Machinery.
Source: Glas Srpske
