SARAJEVO, MAY 17 (ONASA) – The largest business event in the region, the 12th Sarajevo Business Forum, opened its doors today in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This event brought together more than 2000 business leaders from more than 50 countries of the world, including prominent global businessmen, renowned investors, top experts, distinguished statesmen and speakers.
For all of them, this event is an excellent opportunity to exchange their ideas, knowledge and experience, expand their network of business associates and connect with new markets.
Sarajevo Business Forum is organized by Bosna Bank International (BBI) in cooperation with its shareholders Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Dubai Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank in cooperation with strategic partner – Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton and numerous domestic and foreign partners.
At the beginning of the opening ceremony, the President of the Management Board of Bosna Bank International (BBI) Alek Bakalović greeted the attendees and thanked all the partners and participants who supported this important business event.
Bakalović expressed his gratitude to the BiH Presidency for sponsoring the event, as well as to the Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton, which is a strategic partner of SBF for the second time.
He emphasized that the Sarajevo Business Forum is the most important socially responsible project of BBI Bank, which has an exceptional significance in the community.
“Since the previous SBF, Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved significant progress by obtaining the status of a candidate for joining the EU, which is certainly a new chapter towards political and economic integration in the EU”, said Bakalović and added that the Sarajevo Business Forum aims to strengthen regional cooperation countries of the Balkans in order to become more attractive to foreign investors.
The honor of officially opening the 12th Sarajevo Business Forum went to the member of the BiH Presidency, Denis Bećirović, who emphasized the importance of this event for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region, which provides an opportunity for the development of business ties and investments.
He also emphasized the importance of economic development and called on all participants to do everything in their power to contribute to this goal.
“Sarajevo is an open and cosmopolitan city where all people of good intentions are welcome. BiH and Sarajevo connect east and west and we are becoming an increasingly important destination for global investments. Our task is to give full support to projects like this that connect businessmen, but also countries around the region, Europe and the world”, said Bećirović and called on entrepreneurs around the world to invest in our country because BiH is the country of the future.
The Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić, addressed the audience and emphasized the importance of such events for the development of the domestic economy and gave his full support to the organizers of the Forum.
“Sarajevo Business Forum and Sarajevo Halal Fair are an example of positive practice, creating a positive environment for business cooperation, business ties and investments. I am encouraged that today at this Forum I see successful people from the world of business and international investors who are interested in our market”, said Nikšić and pointed out that our country has great potential for investments.
“Opportunities for investments in BiH are numerous, the geographical location and the possibility of developing numerous branches of the economy, from energy to tourism, give entrepreneurs a great advantage. Business and economy are terms that integrate all systems, that’s why we listen to your needs and invite you to cooperate and create together. Don’t value the FBIH government by what we promise, but by what we do,” said Nikšić.
Olivér Várhelyi, the EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, also addressed the audience via video link, who emphasized the EU’s commitment to the economic development of the Western Balkans.
“The EU has prepared an Economic-Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to collect 30 billion euros. In order to implement the plan, the EU relies on the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans, which is the leading regional investment platform. One of the novelties of this platform is the Guarantee Fund for the Western Balkans, which will begin to be developed this year and which is expected to collect 20 billion euros from private and public sources,” Várhelyi said, adding that investments are key to the economic development of the region. but a common regional market is crucial for economic development and job creation.
Among the key speakers at the conference were the State Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Elmedin Konaković. They emphasized the importance of international cooperation, investments and market development in the region.
The State Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, emphasized the importance of the Sarajevo Business Forum and the Sarajevo Halal Fair for the economy of the entire region and the entire world.
He emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a key country that connects east and west and has many opportunities for investment in various economic sectors. The minister expressed his belief that they can provide a unique platform for cooperation and provide access to key markets. He thanked for the invitation and expressed his joy for future cooperation and partnership with all those present.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is an extremely important country for us because it is a bridge between east and west and has numerous economic branches in which we can invest. We believe that we can offer a unique platform for joint cooperation and provide access to key markets. Thank you for the invitation and I look forward to cooperation and partnership with each of you,” said Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE.
BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković said that regional and international cooperation play an invaluable role in achieving BiH’s goals.
“I thank everyone for being here today because of an important fact for us, which is that we make our country a bridge between East and West and that we ultimately see it as a member of the EU. The most important thing for us is that the West understands our priorities, but also our closeness and emotion with the East. Therefore, for us, regional and international cooperation are of inestimable value. We believe that our entrepreneurs are catalysts of development and strengthening of the economy”, said Konaković and emphasized that the Sarajevo Business Forum is an opportunity to build bridges between our countries and projects.
A special address from the strategic partner SBF was given by the Minister of Economy of Sarajevo Canton Zlatko Mijatović.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation between state institutions and business leaders, and emphasized that the Forum is an opportunity to present the potential of Sarajevo Canton for investments and attracting foreign investments.
“Sarajevo Business Forum has established itself in the regional and global business community as the largest and most important business and investment forum in Southeast Europe. We are all here because we know that Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are a key point of the Balkans and an attractive destination for investments in many branches, “said Mijatović and added that Sarajevo has all the necessary predispositions for economic growth and development.
“This city has a great strategic and geographical location, abundant natural resources, a long tradition in the processing, food and specialty industries and a talented, educated and motivated workforce,” said Mijatović.
After the opening speeches, a ceremony was held to award the traditional Sarajevo Business Bridge awards, which were awarded by the director of the Sarajevo Business Forum, Dino Selimović, and Minister Zlatko Mijatović.
Our famous football player Edin Džeko was recognized as a brand ambassador and promoter of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“This recognition is a great honor for me and my family. Wherever we lived, whether in the Czech Republic, Germany, England or now in Italy, I was always very proud of my roots and ready to help my country in any way. I would like to thank the jury and the organizers of the Sarajevo Business Forum for recognizing my efforts over the years on and off the field. I wish everyone a successful forum and I hope to see many investments in my homeland BiH in the time ahead”, said Džeko in his video address.
STUDEN & CO Holding received the “Business of the Year” award, which is awarded to companies operating in the region of Southeast Europe and which have shown significant growth.
The “Employer of the Year for Youth” award for exceptional commitment to hiring, developing and retaining young talents was awarded to the company KLIKA, while the “Social Impact Award” was awarded this year to the Women’s Mentoring Network for exceptional commitment to creating positive changes in the world.
The award for “Business move of the year” went to BH Tech Lab of BH Telecom for creative and advanced work and contributions to sustainable development.
On the first day of the 12th Sarajevo Business Forum, participants will have the opportunity to hear interesting panels, learn about the latest trends in their industry sectors, and discuss ways to face challenges and take advantage of opportunities to create a sustainable and profitable future.
The organizers have confirmed the participation of more than 2000 participants from more than 50 countries of the world and more than 200 accredited journalists.
The Sarajevo Business Forum is organized by BBI Bank under the auspices of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with a strategic partner – the Ministry of Economy of the Sarajevo Canton, and numerous other domestic and foreign partners: PE Autoceste FBiH, Turkish Airlines, Uniqa Insurance, Sarajevo Airport, BH Telecom, Canton Tourist Board Sarajevo, Bimal, Union Bank, Council of Foreign Investors and other institutions.