KOŠARAC: REGIONAL INTEGRATION ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ECONOMIC PROCESSES

JAHORINA, MAY 12 /SRNA/ – Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers, has said today at the opening of the Jahorina Economic Forum that economic connectivity, innovation and sustainable development are of crucial importance for the future of Republika Srpska and the Western Balkans.

Košarac believes that regional integration will be one of the most important economic processes in the coming years. "Stronger integration of the markets of Republika Srpska and the entire region can bring more investment, greater competitiveness, better labour mobility and more stable development for all our citizens," Košarac emphasized. He stressed that Republika Srpska is politically and economically stable and demonstrates the ability to work and build even in times of global change and economic challenges. "All economic indicators show that Republika Srpska is on the right path," Košarac stated. He said that Republika Srpska is committed to building an economy of cooperation based on mutual trust, common interests and the creation of new opportunities for businesses, investors and citizens. Košarac added that Republika Srpska wants an open economy, partnership with investors and development based on modern technologies, innovation and sustainable development. "The Republika Srpska institutions continuously demonstrate that their actions are guided by the imperative of creating a stable, secure and predictable business environment that will stimulate domestic capital and attract foreign investment, create new jobs and, most importantly, enable young people to build their future precisely in Republika Srpska," Košarac emphasized. Expressing regret that BiH, due to political circumstances, did not join the Open Balkan initiative, Košarac says he hopes that the Jahorina Economic Forum can serve as an impetus for considering free trade agreements with China and some other regions. Košarac emphasized that gatherings such as the Jahorina Economic Forum are an important platform for exchanging ideas, connecting businesspeople and creating concrete initiatives that will contribute to the economic progress of the entire region.