'100 Largest in BiH and the Region': Applying ESG Principles is Key to Long-Term Success

(Patria) - Last year was marked by numerous changes and growing inflationary pressures that left their mark on the business operations of companies and the purchasing power of the population in the region. Changes, whether positive or negative, are nevertheless part of a world where there are always the best and most successful.

The "100 Largest in BiH and the Region" project, which has been realized by Poslovne novine for 37 years, aims precisely to recognize and reward the most successful companies that, despite turbulent economic conditions, have managed to achieve outstanding results. The project highlights the leadership, perseverance, and innovations that have enabled these companies to stand out and remain competitive in the market.

This year, for the first time, the "100 Largest in BiH and the Region - ESG Impulse 2024" project is being realized under the high patronage of the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović.

The co-organizer of the project for many years has been the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, and this year support was also provided by the President of the Federation of BiH, Lidija Bradara, as well as partners EuroExpress brza pošta, Porsche BH, Mozaik/ESG Solutions, and many others.

At a press conference held today at the "Mado" restaurant in Bistrik, the launch of the project and the media campaign was announced, which will last until September 26, when a business leaders' conference will be held focusing on the most current topics titled "ESG Impulse 2024".

The Director of Poslovne novine, Emil Kučković, emphasized that for 37 years, Poslovne novine has been fulfilling its obligation to analyze, identify, and present the most successful companies.

- When we say "100 Largest," we are talking about over 1,800 companies being presented through the campaign and publication in various categories, the 30 most successful industrial branches with leading companies, as well as the "Cities, Municipalities, and Business" project.

For this year, we have also prepared a series of novelties, including a printed publication "100 Largest" which has its summary in the form of an investment brochure that we are specifically creating for ministries, investment attraction agencies, as well as cities and municipalities - said Kučković.

Ahmet Egrlić, Vice-President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, stated that adherence to ESG standards is inevitable and their implementation is required by companies that are buyers of BiH products in the EU, and that more than 70 percent of our exports go to these countries.



- The German Supply Chain Act stipulates these standards – if you want to be a supplier to German companies, you must, among other things, take care of the environment and workers' rights.

The new EU Supplier Act, recently adopted, is based on the German law and requires adherence to these principles. BiH has companies, resources, and personnel who can cope with the challenges and succeed.

The data from the "100 Largest" project also speaks to this, as the revenues of these companies are growing year by year, and we are confident that our companies will respond to these challenges as well - added Egrlić.

Conference "ESG Impulse 2024"

Project Director Alena Ahmetspahić-Fočo highlighted the uniqueness of the project, which aims to recognize and reward positive practices and business successes, and to provide an opportunity for business leaders who generate half of BiH's total turnover annually to exchange views and discuss the most important market trends relevant to economic development and further investments.

More than 400 domestic and regional business leaders are expected at the conference titled "ESG Impulse 2024" to discuss policies and standards that companies and investors use to align with sustainable development concepts in the areas of environment, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

The project officially begins today, and the first upcoming activity is the "Garden City Business Run" as part of the Konjic Summer Festa, which will be held on July 5. The business run has been recognized by companies that focus on ESG principles – a trend that is changing the way business is done worldwide.

One of the project partners is the official vehicle, Porsche. Porsche BH is one of the companies that understands how crucial ESG principles are for the long-term success and development of any enterprise.

- As a long-term partner, Porsche proudly supports the "100 Largest in BiH and the Region - ESG Impulse 2024" project, because we believe in the key role of ESG principles in our business.

These principles are not just guidelines, but an integral part of our strategy, encompassing environmental responsibility, social justice, and good governance.

Through our involvement in projects like ESG Impulse, Porsche actively contributes to the sustainable development of the community, improves the living conditions of employees, supports innovative suppliers, and builds lasting relationships with customers who value our commitment to sustainable practices.

ESG principles not only inspire us to act responsibly towards the environment and the social community but also enable us to be leaders in creating positive social change.

We believe that integrating ESG principles into our strategy is of key importance for the long-term success of our brand and for creating a sustainable society as a whole - stated Armin Mulović, Brand Manager Porsche BH.



Garden City Business Run

The partnership between Poslovne novine and Konjic Summer Festa has created an opportunity to organize a run and event that will bring together employees from companies across BiH, members of the "Club 100". The run serves as an occasion for socializing, establishing new connections, and relaxing amidst the beautiful natural scenery of Konjic.

Mahir Mujić, Director of the marketing agency Media Marketing Universal and organizer of the international Konjic Summer Fest, stated that the run is a quality example of combining a business atmosphere, healthy physical activity, and pleasant socializing.

- Konjic Summer Fest has partnered with the "100 Largest" project by organizing a 5-kilometer business run called "Garden City Business Run".

This is a unique opportunity for companies actively working to create a favorable ESG environment to register their employees, emphasize health and team spirit, and increase the company's attractiveness to current and future employees - emphasizes Mujić.

As announced at the press conference, the formal award ceremony for "100 Largest" will be held on September 26 at the "Hills" hotel in Ilidža.