Cormack: Most necessary is to form government in BiH and implement needed reforms

U.S. Ambassador to BiH Maureen E. Cormack addressed today members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham BiH) in BiH at the start of a working lunch at the Hotel Bristol, writes the Bosnian news agency Patria.

 - One of the challenges in BiH is building an environment in which companies can successfully operate so they can create jobs. New laws and better procedures are important, but one thing is most necessary - authorities at the state and FBiH level must finally be formed - said Cormack.

She also said that the government in BiH at all levels must accept the necessity of economic reforms, show courage and vision for implementing reforms that will improve the lives of citizens.

- Public administration reform is necessary to improve quality while reducing the costs of public services - said the ambassador.

She also said that a substantive discussion must begin on the future of state-owned companies.

- It is time for politics to stop dealing with poor management of enterprises. BiH politicians must stop obstructing brave, uncorrupted investors who are already here. BiH needs a more flexible labor market, restrictive practices discourage companies from employing a larger number of workers. The rule of law must exist, laws are meaningless if they only exist on paper. Legal protection measures must be implemented - emphasized Cormack.

Cormack said that supervisory and regulatory agencies, including the Public Procurement Agency, the Competition Council of BiH, and the Communications Regulatory Agency must be strengthened.

- It is not easy to do business in BiH, congratulations to everyone who has succeeded despite all the challenges - said the U.S. ambassador.