INTERVIEW: PRIME MINISTER OF BPK EMIR OKOVIĆ
By: Endin ČAUŠEVIĆ
SARAJEVO, May 21 (ONASA) – Prime Minister of Bosnia-Podrinje Canton (BPK) Emir Oković in an interview for ONASA Agency talks about the current state in the BPK, his priorities in office, the number of unemployed, tourist offer of BPK and other topics.
ONASA: How would you assess the current situation in BPK?
OKOVIĆ: In general, BPK since its foundation to date, is characterized by the complete initial devastation to progress in all segments today. Part of the baseline conditions for the operation of the Government of BPK are the positive trend of economic growth and the trend of increasing employment, but also the insufficient development of infrastructure, insufficient use of natural resources, inadequately resolved issue of financing of cantons, credit indebtedness of the economy, the unemployed highly-educated personnel, the absence of greater cooperation between lower and higher levels of government, undeveloped system of public administration, underdevelopment of local communities, unresolved property issues of cantons, as well as the fact of slow formation of authorities, which is a great difficulty especially in the area of joint jurisdiction.
ONASA: What are the priorities in work of BPK during your term in office?
OKOVIĆ: The economy and employment are the main focus of the Government, which will contribute in the distribution of competences between the Federation and the cantons by its measures directed at this issue. Some have already been realized, and we expect help from higher government levels. Furthermore, we can point out the need to develop infrastructure and more efficient utilization of natural resources. Maintenance and improvement of budgetary stability of Canton and municipalities within the Canton is our common commitment. By that I mean the maintenance of the existing level of living standards, public spending, the level of security in Canton, social and health care. More stable and more durable solution to the issue of public finances creates better conditions for investment, the creation of jobs, raises living standards, infrastructure, education, health and culture, so all of us together must make strong efforts to better solve the problem of our finances. Questions of infrastructure development in the field of transport, rural development, tourism, public administration, education, health, environment, the economy are also an important segment in the work of every administration, which is not an exception in our case. Of course, it is worthwhile to point out that as a priority there is need to make Cantonal Development Strategy for the period 2016-2020, which will include the aforementioned points.
ONASA: How much truth is there in the claims that there are no unemployed in Goražde?
OKOVIĆ: There are positive trends but there is also the fact that employment service records have 3,000 names of active job seekers.
ONASA: Unlike other areas which cannot boast with multiethnicity, employees in Goražde come from all nationalities. Could you tell us how many people of different nationalities are employed in BPK?
OKOVIC: This number is variable, but currently there are about 250 people who come from neighboring municipalities and work mainly in the economy.
ONASA: What kind of activities have been undertaken as part of flood protection in BPK, given the fact that it has been four years since the floods that hit BPK?
OKOVIĆ: This area was hit by floods four years ago, on which a study was drafted on the level of municipality, that points to the existence of errors of the human factor. It is an activity being led by municipality of Goražde and which we, as a higher level of government, support. In relation to the flooding in other areas we offered our support. At the same time we are aware that this is a state issue and expect systematic solution primarily at higher levels of decision-making and the establishment of adequate flood protection systems. In the part of our jurisdiction, there are organized services that have fairly limited resources at their disposal.
ONASA: Given the fact that BPK has ideal conditions for agriculture, how much attention is being paid to the agricultural industry?
OKOVIĆ: Agricultural production is represented in a certain extent, especially in greenhouse production. The system of incentives in accordance with of available resources has been established. Problems arise from the fragmentation of property, the lack of an adequate system of buying products and, of course, the lack of protection of domestic agricultural production, which is an issue that goes beyond the competence of the cantons. Resources certainly exist, and it is a positive fact that there is ongoing implementation of the program of the World Bank and the establishment of the system.
ONASA: Can the river Drina be used as a tourism product and are there any plans towards this?
OKOVIĆ: The river Drina certainly has its potential in different areas in terms of tourism potential. I have already said that the infrastructure is underdeveloped, and above all, here I mean the inadequate roads that are certainly important for this segment and overall economic development. Of course analyses have begun in the responsible ministries on the current situation, from which will spring courses of action, given that so far there was no significant systemic approach to this issue. (end)