Rešidbegović: We bring millions to the state, that's why they are targeting us!

"BH Telecom" conducts all its business absolutely transparently, the funds we invest in marketing are significantly lower than the competition, and yet every year we pay 100 million marks into the BiH budget, stated Nedžad Rešidbegović, general director of this BiH company, for the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Rešidbegović reacted to some media accusations about large and hidden marketing expenses. However, he says that there are other motives behind these accusations, and that "BH Telecom" is not hiding anything.

- We realize about 12 million in marketing contracts annually, which is only two percent of our revenue. This is very little, as telecoms worldwide spend between eight and 12 percent of their revenue on marketing and advertising. In this environment, where we have competition in a better position, this is the minimum – says Rešidbegović.

According to him, "HT Mostar" invests the same amount in marketing, and they have two and a half times lower revenue and 15 times lower profit than "BH Telecom".

- Of those 12 million KM, we spend about three million on various types of sponsorship agreements and support dozens of sports clubs, cultural societies, scientific organizations and conferences, because we are a socially responsible company. We spend two million each on promotional materials and co-production of commercials, because we have to follow business trends. We spend about five million KM on renting space in the media, and that is far less than companies of our capacity and market position – says Rešidbegović.

As he points out, despite all this, many would like "BH Telecom" to disappear, hence the unfounded accusations.

- Every year we pay 100 million marks in dividends to the FBiH budget, and 14 million KM in profit tax. Based on these facts, assess why they are targeting us – states Rešidbegović.