Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to BiH visited ZDK: We strongly support BiH's European path

(Patria) - Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to BiH Henk van den Dool visited the Zenica-Doboj Canton where he met with Prime Minister Nezir Pivić and all ministers in the cantonal government, as well as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Zenica-Doboj Canton Assembly, Ćazim Huskić and Dejan Kovačević.

Ambassador van den Dool emphasized that the Netherlands is committed to strengthening friendly relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and its European path, and in addition to EU integration, the focus is also on the rule of law and care for Dutch citizens, especially Dutch members of the EU military forces in BiH.

He stated that the approximately 65,000 Bosnians and Herzegovinians in the Netherlands are an important link between the two countries, and that the BiH community in that country is one of the best integrated communities and is well-regarded in Dutch society. He added that many of them have returned to their homeland and started businesses, some of which are in the Zenica-Doboj Canton.

He praised the Law on Freedom of Assembly, adopted by the ZDK institutions, which is aligned with EU legislation, as well as the European model of fighting corruption, which is applied in this canton.

The Dutch ambassador expressed regret over BiH's stagnation on the path of European integration, emphasizing that he wishes to see BiH and the countries of the region as members of the European Union in the future.

Prime Minister Pivić informed Ambassador van den Dool about the situation in the Zenica-Doboj Canton with a special focus on the economy and industry. He emphasized that the canton is stable and safe, that institutions are fulfilling all their constitutional and legal obligations, and that the government is committed to development in all areas.

- ZDK has good economic parameters - import coverage by exports of 105.2 percent, while this percentage is half that at the FBiH level, and industrial production growth of 4.8 percent was achieved, which is also twice the average of FBiH. Last year, the government implemented 98 percent of its planned program goals with 85 percent of the planned funds, which speaks to a thrifty approach and quality planning - said Prime Minister Pivić.

He added that the good economic parameters are a result of the work of the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton and a favorable business environment. He invited the Dutch ambassador to convey an invitation to investors from that country to take advantage of investment opportunities and invest in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, in which they will have full support and service from the Government and its institutions.

Ambassador Henk van den Dool thanked them for the reception and particularly praised that he had the opportunity to speak with the entire ZDK Government and the leadership of the Assembly of this canton.