The Vienna Economic Forum Conference Closed

A press conference by Chairman of the Council of Minister Dr Nikola Špirić and Chairman of the Vienna Economic Forum Dr Erhard Busek was the closing event of the two-day Vienna Economic Forum International Conference titled “Invest to B-H - Invest to Region”, held in Sarajevo under the auspices of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B-H, which gathered about 200 participants from 21 counties of the world, representatives from 20 companies from the Republic of Austria, and 70 companies form the region. 

“This was a chance for investors to learn about the potentials Bosnia and Herzegovina has in relation to investments to energy, infrastructure and finance sectors. I am convinced that today messages will be sent on positive economic climate and potentials in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as messages to investors of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s readiness for further economic development and that it represents a secure area for the placement of investments and money. What is particularly important for us in Bosnia and Herzegovina is that today’s forum too highlighted a special dimension concerning a need for the regional cooperation. I am sure that the regional cooperation in economic, political and infrastructural and any other aspect will accelerate the accession of counties of the region to the European Union. I have had a chance and pleasure to inform the Forum participants of my initiative to form a South-East European Development Bank. I think that the establishment of such a Bank would improve dealing with many challenges counties of the South-East Europe face and that it closely corresponds with countries’ request for European Union membership”, stated Chairman Špirić.

 

“I would like to express my personal pleasure with a great engagement and support in the organisation of this Conference on the part of the Council of Ministers of B-H, led by Chairman of the Council of Ministers Dr Nikola Špiirć and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, which invested unreserved efforts to have the Vienna Economic Forum Conference held in Sarajevo. Indeed, we did not expecte the attendance in such great number, and I think this is a very impressive and optimistic sign. I am convinced that we are to overcome the global financial crisis and that we have to engage additionally and provide an additional incentive to investments through which we can seek the way out of the crisis. Here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as in the region, needs for investments are large in the energy, infrastructure and other sectors - as the Prime Minister has already said - for which EU and EBRD funds are ready available but for these projects only which are fully prepared and wait for the implementation. For these projects we need a political agreement and faster decision making. Prime Minister Špirić mentioned one very important project. I would like to inform you that preparation for the establishment of the South-East European Development Bank are well underway, with the support of the Development banks from Austria and Slovenia”, stated Chairman Busek.

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