Commission processing submitted applications for EXPO participation support package

(Patria) - The Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton announced on November 23, 2021, a Call for Expression of Interest and Application of Business Entities for a support package for participation in the World Expo EXPO 2020 Dubai, which was open until November 28. Given that the initial deadline was short, the call was extended until midnight, December 2, 2021.

The Commission noted at today's first meeting that a total of 149 applications were received for the Call, of which 97 were companies, seven tourism communities, and 45 projects.

"We are satisfied with the response from companies, and regarding tourism communities, we think there could have been more applications. However, we were surprised by the response from the project sector. Many projects were submitted, which is an indicator that there is exceptional project potential in Bosnia and Herzegovina that needs to be presented abroad and utilized. That is exactly what we will do at the World Expo in Dubai," said doc. dr. Admir Čavalić, President of the Commission, after the first session of the Commission.

Čavalić emphasized that this Call was implemented based on a methodology developed by the expert team of economists he led, and highlighted the advantages of the mentioned methodology.

"It is important to emphasize that this methodology does not give the Commission any possibility to influence the possible selection of applications. We are here only to validate and verify the Call and the submitted documentation and to select the best, not based on our discretionary power, but based on the established methodology," explained Čavalić, emphasizing that this method of data processing is unique and unusual in BiH.

As he emphasized, this methodology completely minimizes the influence of the human factor, i.e., the Commission, and emphasizes the role of objective indicators and criteria listed in the methodology.

As for companies, the criteria that were scored in the first phase were economic position, growth potential and export orientation, innovation, and sustainability.

A list of business entities with total achieved scores will be published on the website of the Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton no later than Friday of the current week.

We remind you that the Ministry of Economy of KS will, upon completion of this Call, select 80 business entities, tourism communities, and projects that will have a support package available for presentation at the World Expo EXPO 2020 Dubai.