Kapo for NAP: In this crisis, our salvation is domestic products

Written by Sead Omeragić

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We visited a large shopping center today. All shelves are full, largely with domestic products. There are also huge quantities of flour on the shelves: Klas, Gradačac, Nezić, Majić... This state of misfortune has revealed the strength but also some weaknesses of our economy. We discuss all of this with Admir Kapo, president of the Association „Buy Domestic“ 

You are a man who has been persistently repeating for many years: „Support our entrepreneurs, buy domestic“. We ask, has it ever been as clear as now, in this crisis, what a strong domestic economy means?

KAPO: Bosnia and Herzegovina, like most other countries, is practically blocked. Economic flows have been stopped or slowed down, and every country is turning to its own capacities to
survive the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. When we turn to ourselves and our economy, we will see that much is missing. Partly due to objective reasons caused by the unstable political situation, partly due to the inertia of a part of the population that prefers to spend its money buying foreign products instead of domestic ones. If we add to that the lack of political will of the elites who create the business environment, especially at the state and entity level, we get a situation where we must be very concerned about our economic recovery after the corona.

It is already being said that the worst price for people in BiH will be revealed – a lack of basic food items. Where is the way out? 

KAPO: As in every crisis, so in this one, there is still an opportunity to draw a lesson after this pandemic and change some habits. This question arises almost fatefully. The answer is simple, let's buy domestic products and use domestic services. The Association “Buy and Use Domestic” has been talking about this for 15 years to develop a patriotic feeling towards products from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Is there a more logical and reasonable message that means strengthening the overall standard of our country and population.

I have nevertheless noticed that many people are frantically looking for domestic products. A few days ago, an elderly woman asked me: Is this ours? I look and say, yes, and she takes the product beaming. And I have been noticing this interest for a long time. So, awareness of domestic products, after all, exists.

KAPO: Great truths and clear messages often go unnoticed and it takes time for them to be accepted by the broad masses. I cannot offer answers as to why that is, but it is a fact that Bosnia and
Herzegovina has many products that we do not have to buy from imports. Imports should not and should not be stopped because even in times like these, the free flow of goods and capital applies. However, we still make the decision about what we put in the basket and take home. If we buy domestic, then the money stays in our country, and that is very clear and simple. Otherwise, we send it to the governments of other countries whose products we use. It doesn't take much intelligence for this. Who will we rely on if the crisis persists? On the one among us who does something and produces and who will be there with us and beside us in the worst of times. 

We are rapidly losing jobs. But, hundreds of our products in stores are noticeable with the sign „Buy Domestic“. That star in the colors of the BiH flag means the identity of BiH
products, and that sign alone says this is domestic...

KAPO: The Association “Buy and Use Domestic” designed the star sign by which BiH products have been recognizable for years. There are hundreds of such products that carry the star sign in the colors of the BiH flag, and for several years now, entrepreneurs have been acting jointly to raise awareness of the importance of domestic products. Never before have we had the opportunity to strengthen our companies.

To get through this crisis as painlessly and less stressfully as possible and preserve jobs. Unlike the post-war recovery, when factories and industry were destroyed, now the economic capacities
are preserved. Through joint association and awakening of awareness among us citizens, Bosnian-Herzegovinian entrepreneurs in certain sectors, especially food production, could emerge even stronger. Imports have
obviously decreased and are partly suspended. That is an opportunity to conquer even that part of the market that others covered. If the population, entrepreneurs and governments at all levels take this
message seriously, then let us join forces to minimize the consequences of the coming crisis. Let's buy and use domestic products and thus help ourselves. Let's not expect support from other
countries, because they are all occupied with their own problems! Let's buy domestic and we will be stronger and more independent every day.