Šibonjić: Small businesses and jobs saved by subsidies

(Patria) - The Ministry of Economy of Zenica-Doboj Canton allocated nearly 850,000 KM this year for co-financing and subsidizing
projects of small artisans in order to protect and assist small businesses and preserve traditional crafts. In this way, the ministry contributed to saving jobs and hundreds of small crafts throughout the ZDK.

-We found a way to help our artisans and craftsmen who nurture traditional crafts. These people live from their work. They feed themselves and their families from what they do with their own hands. They are mostly self-employed. These are small family businesses. It is precisely they who were hit hard this year due to the measures adopted by the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, when they had to pay much more money than they could easily earn for contributions and taxes, which directly threatened their existence - said Minister Šibonjić.

A total of 250 crafts and traditional trades from Zenica, Zavidovići, Visoko, Kakanj, Tešanj, Žepče, Maglaj, Doboj Jug, and Usora are involved. Subsidies and co-financing were provided for the construction of facilities for performing craft activities; for the purchase of facilities, equipment, and machinery as fixed assets for performing craft activities; for the costs of introducing standards/re-certifying standards and quality systems; and for administrative costs of performing activities in accordance with the Decree on the Protection of Traditional and Old Crafts.

The total amount of allocated funds for those under 35 years of age, as well as for
women and persons with disabilities, was increased by 20 percent.

For the construction of facilities for performing craft activities, 24,000.00 KM was allocated; for the purchase of facilities for performing craft activities, 40,000.00 KM was awarded. The largest amount was allocated for the purchase of equipment and machinery as fixed assets for performing craft activities, amounting to 617,888.40 KM, as well as for performing activities in accordance with the Decree on the Protection of Traditional and Old Crafts, 166,000.00 KM.

-We are trying to help as many workers and self-employed individuals as possible, and I am very happy about that. They are the most affected by high inflation, and it is important that they all preserve their jobs and survive. Because they are not to blame for what has befallen them - said Minister Šibonjić.