Komšić in Vienna: Bosnia and Herzegovina's economy can develop through cooperation with diaspora, investors, and international partners!

(Patria) - Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić attended a significant business event last night called "ViennaLink Business Event – Promotion and Networking", held in Vienna.

The event was attended by more than 200 guests from social, economic, diplomatic, political, and cultural life, including numerous successful entrepreneurs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Austria, and the countries of the region.

The gathering was dedicated to promoting a unique concept of professional and strategic business networking focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the diaspora, and the countries of the region.

Member of the BiH Presidency Željko Komšić addressed the attendees, emphasizing, among other things, the importance of strengthening cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Austria, as well as the role of the diaspora in improving economic and cultural ties.

He particularly stressed that such events represent an important platform for exchanging experiences, developing new initiatives, and strengthening business contacts.

Read Komšić's full speech below:

"Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished representatives of the business community,
Dear friends…

It is my pleasure to be with you today in Austria, a country with which Bosnia and Herzegovina not only shares historical ties but also deeply rooted economic, cultural, and human relations.

However, this gathering does not only reflect strong business ties. The fact is that relations between countries today do not rest solely on political declarations, but increasingly on real economic connections, on investments, on the exchange of knowledge, and on the people who build these connections daily.

In this regard, I want to clearly emphasize that the strength of our relations is not only in good institutional relations. It is primarily reflected in you, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina living in Austria.

You are the bridge that actively shapes the relations between the two countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria have a long and complex history. It has not always been easy, but over time it has developed into a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. Today, this relationship has a new dimension – economic rationality. Austria is one of the most important trading partners of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the largest investors in our country.

In 2025, foreign trade amounted to 2.59 billion KM, and Austrian investments in BiH reach about 1.5 billion euros and have contributed to the creation of more than 8,000 jobs across BiH.

It is undeniable that Austrian companies have recognized the potential of our market, but, more importantly, they have recognized the quality of our people. On the other hand, an increasing number of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina are finding their place in the Austrian and broader European markets.

We often talk about political issues affecting our country in our speeches, setting aside the dynamics of economic relations. However, the reality is that the economy is the most concrete form of international cooperation. In times of global uncertainty, where political relations are often subject to change, economic ties have special value because they create stability.

In this stability, both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria achieve progress. Investments and capital seek predictability and security, and business communities continue their work based on the built trust between Bosnian-Herzegovinian and Austrian society. Therefore, I believe that building a strong economy is much more than a matter of growth and development among us.

For us, it is the foundation on which sound policies of stability and democratic resilience can be built.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an attractive destination. We have clear advantages that make us competitive: a strategic position in Southeast Europe, proximity to the European Union market, a developed industrial tradition, and, perhaps most importantly, an educated, adaptable, and hardworking workforce.

Our task is simple in formulation, but demanding in execution, and that is to transform these potentials into a sustainable and prosperous economic system. In this process, partnerships like the one we are building today play a key role. Further networking of Austrian business communities and the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora is the most potent investment in the future and well-being of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only progress as a result of cooperation – with our diaspora, with international partners, and with investors willing to invest long-term. Austria is a natural partner in this regard.

Especially tonight, I want to highlight the role of the people behind these processes.
Entrepreneurs, investors, professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina who have succeeded in Austria, you are one of the best examples of what our country can offer and achieve.

Your success is not a coincidence, and as such, it carries an additional value: you understand both systems. And precisely because of this, you have a unique role in connecting the economies of our countries. I call on you to continue this responsibility wholeheartedly.
Finally, I want to return to the initial thought. Such gatherings have significance that goes beyond daily economic exchange.

In this space of ideas and initiatives, trust is created that cannot be built through formal channels. It is precisely these direct contacts between people, companies, and communities that become the most important form of international cooperation in today's global village. Therefore, I believe that today's meeting is not just an event but the beginning of new concrete projects and partnerships.

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains open for cooperation, investments, and ideas. It is up to you to recognize the opportunity in this openness. Thank you."