ZEPS 2025 Officially Opened: 500 Companies with 2,000 Brands Presented

(Patria) - With the virtual launch of a digital animation symbolically depicting a world driven by innovation and development, the 29th International General BH Economy Fair ZEPS 2025 was officially opened today in Zenica.

This year's fair features 500 companies and over 2,000 domestic and international brands. The focus of this year's ZEPS is on regional economic cooperation with the aim of opening doors to the world and EU markets, and with an emphasis on joint appearances towards third countries.

The program began with addresses from representatives of state, entity, cantonal, and local institutions, the ambassadors of the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Italy, as well as representatives of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, VTK/STK BiH, and exhibitors from Libya.

At the very beginning, Elvir Ajanović, owner of the ZEPS fair license and director of TAPAS d.o.o., as the host of the fair and on behalf of the organizers, welcomed all participants, dignitaries, and guests of the fair. He emphasized that ZEPS has been a symbol of development, connection, and joint growth since its inception.

"As license holders, we proudly watch ZEPS grow into the business event of the year in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ZEPS is not just an event – it is a tradition, a responsibility, and an inspiration for generations to come," said Ajanović.

ZEPS had not been held for five years, making it an even greater success to gather 500 companies and 2,000 brands.

Ahmet Egrlić, president of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, spoke about the importance of Western Balkan chambers of commerce, as they play a key role in strengthening regional cooperation, acting as a bridge between institutions and the economy. He stressed the necessity of strengthening institutional cooperation among countries, harmonizing standards, and improving electronic data exchange to reduce barriers and enable faster and more efficient exchange of goods and services.

"From the perspective of the BiH business community, the key obstacles to the development of regional economic cooperation are administrative and technical barriers, inconsistent application of regulations, different standards among countries, and unharmonized customs and inspection procedures. Although there are agreements on facilitated trade at the political level, their practical application often encounters difficulties, especially at border crossings and in the process of document recognition. The Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH will, in accordance with its competencies, strive to provide a more favorable business environment, contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the BiH economy, and its significant regional networking and representation in the world," stated the president of VTK/STK BiH Egrlić.

Samir Šibonjić, Minister of Economy of Zenica-Doboj Canton, stated in his address that "many did not believe us when we started serious preparations for the return of ZEPS last year."

"As the responsible minister, I took an active part with the ZEPS Organizational Team, then with my businessman friends, but above all with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, to whom I express my gratitude on this occasion for their shown interest, and began working on the organization. We succeeded. We have brought ZEPS back in a big way. This is proof that when we are together and have the same goals, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. ZEPS is today the center of business events in the region. One of the largest economic events this year in this part of Europe. With this year's ZEPS, we are jointly opening a new chapter in the development of this fair and the entire economy of ZDK and BiH. From today, the eyes of investors are even more focused on our Zenica, ZDK canton, and the whole of BiH. That is why this is a new beginning for all of us," said Minister Šibonjić.

Nezir Pivić, Prime Minister of the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton, initially emphasized that he is particularly pleased that the return of ZEPS coincides with the arrival of the Government he leads, "because reviving the fair was one of the priorities of the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton, which we demonstrated through our engagement in attracting exhibitors, especially from friendly Turkey. I thank the Minister of Economy Samir Šibonjić, who, in the best possible way, selflessly utilized his business and personal connections in the Republic of Turkey. I wish you to take the most beautiful memories from our city, canton, and country, and to find buyers and partners here in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. ZEPS is an ideal place, because giants in all sectors, who operate excellently and are export-oriented, have emerged in our canton. These companies contribute to our leading position in the real sector, which is also confirmed by economic indicators," said Prime Minister Pivić.

Mohamed Abdel-Malik Al-Faqih, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Libyan Iron and Steel Company and representative of the delegation of exhibitors from Libya, stated that eight strategic exhibitors from his country are participating in ZEPS this year, from the oil industry, steel production, logistics, construction industry, and investment fields.

Libyan companies have decided to come in a much stronger contingent this year, after exhibitors from this country had excellent experiences at the fair last year. He also stated that companies and investment funds from Libya represented at the fair are ready to establish business cooperation and open a new chapter in the development of economic relations between the two countries.

Mehmet Develioğlu, Deputy Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), briefly touched upon the very successfully organized ZEPS last year when the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce participated in the fair for the first time with a national representation and when the Republic of Turkey was the "Partner Country." This year, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce is at ZEPS with leading Turkish companies from various sectors, including: agriculture, recycling, environmental technologies, lighting, information technology, food industry and equipment, ready-made clothing, construction materials, cosmetics, furniture, and textiles.

"With a total of 50 exhibitors, we are building this cooperation together and conveying the spirit of friendship. I believe that this spirit will lead us to stronger economic and trade ties and open new horizons."

He presented data showing that bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded 1 billion dollars and experienced significant growth in 2024.

"But it can be much more. We have even greater potential. We see these opportunities and are determined to improve our economic and trade relations. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, with the strength of its more than 800,000 members, is always ready to develop business opportunities with our brothers in these regions. I believe that, as here, we will build new business ideas and trade opportunities in many other fields," said Develioğlu.

Sarah Eti Castellani, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to BiH, stated that ZEPS has affirmed itself over the years as a key place for the economy and entrepreneurship, not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also in the entire region. She emphasized that Italy has long been a close friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Italy is the largest exporter to BiH and the second-largest trading partner, with a total trade volume of 2.8 billion euros. Italian companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina employ more than 13,000 workers.

"Our economic ties are strong, deeply rooted, and rich in potential. Italian companies are looking at this country with increasing interest, attracted by its resources, talented people, and industrial tradition. Zenica, with its proud history and future-oriented vision, represents a perfect symbol of that potential. As the Ambassador of Italy, I am truly proud to witness the strengthening of ties between our countries – a partnership built on mutual trust, common values, and a commitment to sustainable growth and development, in line with the European integration process. I would like to thank the fair organizers for the invitation and for their exceptional efforts in bringing together all these new opportunities in one place. I also want to thank the Association of Italian Entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina for ensuring a strong presence of Italian companies, as well as the Italian Trade Agency for its patronage, and all the Italian companies that are here with us today," said Ambassador Castellani.

Emin Akseki, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to BiH, emphasized in his address that the potential for trade exchange between the two countries is much greater and that "we can raise the trade exchange of one billion dollars to a higher level.

"On the other hand, when we look at the total direct investments of the Republic of Turkey in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries by the end of 2024, I want to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina is in first place in that segment."

Ambassador Akseki stated that he believes that events like ZEPS offer important opportunities for strengthening relations and increasing trade volume, finally thanking, as he said, friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina for their efforts in organizing this fair, and especially thanking the Management Board and members of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, which participated at ZEPS with 35 companies last year and 50 this year.

This year's ZEPS is held from September 10 to 13 in over 22,000 m2 of exhibition space, bringing together representatives of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, China, Italy, Libya, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Slovenia, and other countries. As a festival of economy, this year's ZEPS is a unique regional business platform from which messages will be sent about strengthening economic cooperation among Southeast European countries with the aim of improving competitiveness and joint appearance towards third countries.