Komšić in Vienna: Bosnia and Herzegovina's Economy Can Develop Through Cooperation with Diaspora, Investors and International Partners!

(Patria) - Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željko Komšić attended last night a significant business event titled “ViennaLink Business Event – Promotion and Networking”, held in Vienna.

The event was attended by over 200 guests from social, economic, diplomatic, political and cultural life, including numerous successful entrepreneurs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Austria and regional countries.

The gathering was dedicated to promoting a unique concept of professional and strategic business networking focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the diaspora and regional countries.

Member of the BiH Presidency Željko Komšić addressed those present, highlighting, among other things, the importance of strengthening cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Austria, as well as the role of the diaspora in improving economic and cultural ties.

He particularly emphasised that such events represent an important platform for exchanging experiences, developing new initiatives and strengthening business contacts.

Below, read Komšić's full speech:

“Ladies and gentlemen,
respected representatives of the business community,
dear friends…

It is a pleasure to be with you today in Austria, a country with which Bosnia and Herzegovina shares not only historical ties but also deeply rooted economic, cultural and human relations.

However, this gathering reflects not only strong business ties. The fact is that relations between states today are not based solely on political declarations, but increasingly on real economic links, on investments, on the exchange of knowledge and on the people who build these ties every day.

In this regard, I want to clearly emphasise that the strength of our relations is not only in the good relations of institutions. It is primarily reflected in you, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina living in Austria.

You are the bridge that actively shapes the relations between the two countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria have a long and layered history. It was not always simple, but over time it developed into a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. Today, that relationship has a new dimension – economic rationality. Austria is one of the most important trading partners of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the largest
investors in our country.

In 2025, foreign trade exchange amounted to 2.59 billion BAM, and Austrian investments in BiH reach around 1.5 billion euros, contributing to the creation of over 8,000 jobs across BiH.

It is indisputable that Austrian companies have recognised the potential of our market, but, more importantly, they have recognised the quality of our people. On the other hand, an increasing number of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina are finding their place on the Austrian and wider European market.

Often in our appearances we talk about political issues that touch our country, leaving aside the dynamics of economic relations. However, the reality is that the economy is precisely the most concrete form of international cooperation. In a time of global uncertainty, where political relations are often subject to change, economic ties have special value because they create stability.

In that stability, both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria achieve progress. Investments and capital seek predictability and security, and business communities continue their work based on the trust built between Bosnian and Austrian society. Therefore, I believe that building a strong economy is much more than a question of growth and development among us.

For us, it is the foundation on which sound policies of stability and democratic resilience can be built.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an attractive destination. We have clear advantages that make us competitive: a strategic position in Southeast Europe, proximity to the European Union market, a developed industrial tradition and, perhaps most importantly,
an educated, adaptable and hardworking workforce.

Our task is simple in formulation but demanding in implementation, and that is to turn these potentials into a sustainable and advanced economic system. In this process, partnerships like the one we are building today play a key role. By further connecting circles of Austrian business communities and the Bosnian
diaspora, it is the most potent investment in the future and well-being of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only advance as a result of cooperation – with our diaspora, with international partners and with investors who are ready to invest long-term. Austria is a natural partner in this regard.

Tonight, I especially want to highlight the role of the people behind these processes.
Entrepreneurs, investors, professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina who have succeeded in Austria, you are one of the best examples of what our country can offer and achieve.

Your success is not a coincidence and as such carries an additional value: you understand both systems. And precisely because of that, you have a unique role in connecting the economies of our countries. I invite you to continue this responsibility wholeheartedly.
Finally, I want to return to the initial thought. Such gatherings have significance that goes beyond daily economic exchange.

In this space of ideas and initiatives, trust is created that cannot be built through formal channels. It is precisely these direct contacts between people, companies and communities that become the most important form of international cooperation in today's global village. That is why I believe that today's meeting is not just an event but the beginning of new concrete projects and partnerships.

Bosnia and Herzegovina remains open for cooperation, investments and ideas. It is up to you to recognise the opportunity in that openness. Thank you.”