Košarac and Sattler discuss support and recovery of agricultural and tourism sectors

(Patria) - Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Staša Košarac discussed current topics and the recovery from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy in BiH today in Sarajevo with the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH Johann Sattler.

Minister Košarac informed Ambassador Sattler about the need for additional engagement in the foreign trade of red meat, considering the achieved surpluses in production and reduced domestic consumption in BiH due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He requested support from Ambassador Sattler in considering the possibility for BiH to obtain the status of an exporter of fresh beef and veal to EU member states. In this context, Ambassador Sattler expressed his commitment to consider support in accordance with the defined procedures and practices of the countries in the region.

The meeting discussed assistance and recovery of tourism, as this sector has been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interlocutors exchanged views on projects that the EU is implementing to support the domestic tourism sector, and stated that this economic branch is of exceptional importance for local development, especially after the coronavirus pandemic. Ambassador Sattler emphasized the importance of developing a country-wide Tourism Strategy, which would enable the use of EU funds for this sector.

The bilateral meeting between Minister Košarac and Ambassador Sattler at the EU Delegation in BiH headquarters followed a meeting and signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on the Sarajevo – Pale Bicycle Path Project, which was attended by the Mayor of Sarajevo Abdulah Skaka, and the mayors of the municipalities of Pale and Istočni Stari Grad, Boško Jugović and Bojo Gašanović, and a representative of the Sarajevo municipality of Stari Grad.