Minister Šibonjić at the Economic Symposium on Developing Economic Relations between Turkey and BiH: A Strong Economy is a Strong State

(Patria) - The economic symposium "Development of Economic Relations between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sustainable New Perspectives" was held, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Economic Research, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of BiH and the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH.

The symposium brought together representatives of chambers of commerce, institutions, investors, and members of the business community from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey, with the aim of strengthening economic cooperation and opening new development perspectives.
The President of the Foundation, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Incekara, emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina should be viewed as the economic center of the Balkans and that the relations between the two countries should move from the realm of emotions to the space of long-term and concrete projects.

Samir Šibonjić, Minister of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, also addressed the attendees at the opening of the gathering, emphasizing in his speech the importance of strengthening economic ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey, as well as the need for connecting businessmen, exchanging knowledge, and investment partnerships that can contribute to the sustainable development of both societies.

"Cooperation with Turkey is not only friendly but strategic. Our economy has enormous potential, and through joint projects, we can create new jobs, increase exports, and contribute to the stability and growth of our canton and the entire country. Without a strong economy, happy and satisfied workers, as well as entrepreneurs who want to invest, there is no strong state. The example of the Republic of Turkey is truly the best in this regard. In less than two decades, this brotherly and friendly country of ours has managed to achieve a complete turnaround in terms of growth and development, becoming an indispensable economic power in this region," said Minister Šibonjić.

The symposium is part of a broader initiative aimed at renewing and deepening the economic relations between the two countries, ten years after the first gathering of this kind.

Šibonjić took the opportunity to once again invite domestic and Turkish companies to participate in the International General BH Fair of Economy ZEPS 2026, the economic event of the year in Southeast Europe, to whose return he has made an immeasurable contribution. The Minister emphasized that ZEPS is precisely an example of how domestic brands with an international prefix and significance are built.