Košarac: BiH economy already suffering consequences of coronavirus

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Staša Košarac warned that the global problem, caused by the spread of the coronavirus, has escalated in the region, and that the BiH economy is already suffering certain consequences of this virus pandemic, according to the minister's statement provided in a press release.

Minister Košarac reminded that due to the decision of the Croatian authorities to ban the entry of persons into the territory of this country who had stayed in Italy in the previous days, the transport of goods from Italy to BiH and vice versa has been made impossible.

Since Italy is BiH's second most important foreign trade partner, Minister Košarac emphasized that the decision of the Croatian authorities significantly jeopardizes the business of the domestic economy and creates additional costs for BiH companies engaged in exports.

"We are informed that as of March 10, Croatia is applying provisions stipulating that all persons arriving in this country from 'red zones' will be subjected to examination by sanitary inspectors at border crossings, and that for those persons for whom it is determined that there is a need, decisions on mandatory quarantine for a period of 14 days will be issued for all foreign nationals," Košarac emphasized.   

He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH is in constant contact with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, representatives of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, and the chambers of commerce from Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, as well as with the BiH Embassy in Croatia, in order to act in coordination and respond institutionally to the newly created problem.

"We are in daily contact with the competent institutions in BiH, and with the BiH Embassy in Croatia. Institutional cooperation, exchange of information, and coordination of competent institutions are of utmost importance in order to take all necessary steps and define with the Croatian authorities the ways and conditions under which, while respecting strict health controls, the transport of goods from Italy to BiH and vice versa would be enabled as soon as possible," said Košarac.

He announced that on Monday, March 16, he will organize a joint meeting with representatives of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, and the entity chambers of commerce, to discuss the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on the BiH economy and the steps that will mean protection for the domestic economy.

Košarac also emphasized that he will insist on meetings and contacts with representatives of the Croatian authorities in order to adequately resolve this issue.