Košarac and Sattler discussed the epidemiological situation and its economic consequences

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, Staša Košarac, spoke today with the Head of the EU Delegation in BiH, Johann Sattler, about current topics, with an emphasis on the current epidemiological situation and mitigating the negative effects of the coronavirus on the economy.

During the phone conversation, Košarac emphasized that he fully supports BiH's membership in the EU, as the country's main foreign policy goal. He thanked the EU for the funds it has donated to all levels of government in BiH for the prevention and control of the epidemic, stressing that the key priority is to protect the health of citizens and preserve the stability of the healthcare system in the country.

Minister Košarac informed the Head of the EU Delegation in BiH about the measures taken by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, in cooperation and coordination with the competent entity ministries, to help and support domestic economic capacities in the new circumstances caused by the spread of the coronavirus.

In line with the policies agreed upon with the entity ministers responsible for agriculture, Minister Košarac informed Ambassador Sattler about the need to initiate activities that will enable producers in BiH to transport live cattle through the port of Ploče to third-country markets. He pointed out that there is exceptional interest from producers in BiH in exporting live cattle to third countries via the port of Ploče, and that approving this request would have a positive effect on agriculture in BiH and its further development, and thus on the competitiveness of domestic agricultural producers, and the creation of new jobs in this sector.

Sattler said that this would be a good step forward for domestic businessmen, and emphasized that, based on the information provided by the competent bodies in BiH, he will support the mentioned request of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH in contact with the General Directorate of the European Commission for Health and Food Safety.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on the possibility of the competent bodies of the European Commission giving consent for the export of red meat from BiH to EU member states.

In this regard, it was emphasized that it is necessary to respect the defined procedures. The interlocutors agreed that exporting to new markets would significantly contribute to the economic recovery in BiH.

Minister Košarac received assurances that he can count on the assistance of Ambassador Sattler in supporting domestic producers.