Second Sarajevo B2B Meetings of Women Entrepreneurs from BiH and the Region Concluded

(Patria) - Women manage nearly one-third of active Bosnian-Herzegovinian companies, not counting female entrepreneurs and their crafts, which paints an exceptional picture of the significance of "women's" business and its impact on the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Speaking about women and female entrepreneurship at the Tarčin Forest Resort and Spa Sarajevo – Mgallery hotel, the Second Sarajevo B2B Meetings of Women Entrepreneurs from BiH and the Region were held from February 20th to 22nd, organized by the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Association for Democracy, Entrepreneurship, and Culture "Poduzetnice IN".

The Second B2B Meetings were supported by the largest regional organizations whose activities promote female entrepreneurship and women in business. Over two hundred participants came from nine countries – Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The attendees were welcomed by the President of the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH, Mirsad Jašarspahić, who also officially opened the meetings. The meetings were also supported by Hamdo Ejubović, Mayor of Hadžići Municipality, and as the organizers stated – one of the hosts, given that the meetings were held precisely in the municipality he leads. Support for women entrepreneurs and organizers was also provided by Aida Obuća, Prime Minister of Bosansko-podrinjski Canton Goražde, and Amir Zukić, Federal Minister of Development, Entrepreneurship, and Crafts. As the meetings were of a regional character, the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to BiH, H.E. Zorica Bukinac, and Bernardica Periš, Minister Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, were also present.

"It is truly a great honor and pleasure that a large number of governmental and non-governmental organizations, both local and regional, have recognized the need for additional support for women entrepreneurs. Their social and political engagement for women entrepreneurs is truly significant, and we appreciate that they are with us today," stated one of the association's founders, Ilma Softić, who presented certificates of appreciation to those present.

Adisa Tufo, the president of the association, welcomed attendees on behalf of the organizers, the Association "Poduzetnice IN".

"My expectations have been fully met. We are extremely satisfied with the turnout, but also with the fact that all the women who wanted to come were able to be with us. I am particularly thinking of the large group of women who came from Kosovo; they were uncertain about obtaining visas until the last moment.

The participants from nine countries who were part of the Second Sarajevo B2B Meetings in various ways, the topics that were opened, and the conclusions reached, show and prove that what we are doing makes a lot of sense and that entrepreneurship, especially among women, is becoming increasingly popular. This way, awareness and perceptions are changing. Working in the public sector will be less of a peak of success, and working in the real sector will be more so.

Such an approach will inevitably lead us to growth in gross national income, and networking will strengthen the economy and increase competitiveness in the global market," said Tufo.

The focus of the event was the topic: Entrepreneurship in BiH and the Region, opportunities for innovation, growth, development, and networking. This was addressed through two panels and individual presentations by top speakers. There were also several entrepreneurial stories, as well as discussions on the great importance of interpersonal skills, which are often key to business development.

The Second Sarajevo B2B Meetings of Women Entrepreneurs from BiH and the Region were accompanied by numerous success and progress stories, and in that regard, an entrepreneurial fair was held simultaneously, which gave the meetings a new dimension and opened new horizons in business for all participants.

What is particularly significant for the meetings is the support from the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP, i.e., the UN's global development network, an organization that advocates for change and connects countries with knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives.