Slovenian Businessmen Association established in BiH, trade exchange to increase

(Patria) - The Slovenian Businessmen Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been established, with co-founders including NLB Bank d.d., Sarajevo, Triglav osiguranje d.d., Sarajevo, Triglav osiguranje a.d., Banja Luka, Petrol BH Oil Company d.o.o., Sarajevo and MIBO komunikacije d.o.o., Sarajevo.

The primary goal of the association is to improve business relations and promote economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Slovenia, with efforts to integrate and develop the economy of BiH in a regional and general sense, find potential solutions for problems arising from business cooperation between the Association members, and improve business cooperation between members with business entities and associations in BiH and Slovenia.

"I am extremely pleased to announce the new activities of the association throughout BiH, whose most important goal is to improve and promote economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Slovenia. I look forward to the realization of successful projects ahead of us, and I also proudly announce the first official presentation of the association in the autumn, when we will present ourselves to the public at a suitable ceremony with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Mr. Jure Peljhan, President of the Association.

The association also works on achieving common business interests and developing investment opportunities for companies in BiH and the Republic of Slovenia, as well as providing additional support for organizing professional lectures, seminars, and consultations in the field of market economy and complementary disciplines.

"On the occasion of my first meeting with Slovenian businessmen in August 2021, at the beginning of my mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I expressed the wish for the association to be re-established. Economic cooperation between the Republic of Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is significant. In 2021, trade exchange amounted to 1.55 billion EUR, or more than 3 billion KM. We are aware of the potential for further growth, but at the same time, we are aware that it is necessary to improve cooperation between all entities already present in BiH. I am extremely pleased that the Slovenian Businessmen Association exists again and opens its doors to all businessmen and investors. BiH is at the crossroads of its path towards full membership in the European Union, which primarily depends on the implementation of reforms and the overall progress of BiH. Slovenia strongly and vocally supports the candidacy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and also offers its experiences. The Slovenian Businessmen Association will also have a significant mission in this context. The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to provide full support and cooperation with the new association," said Damijan Sedar, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Legal entities, their representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Slovenia, as well as individuals who accept the program and goals of the association, can become members of the association. Suitable events throughout BiH are also announced to promote the work and goals of the association.