It is our intention that companies from both countries explore complementary business opportunities, enter into new partnerships and improve their presence on regional and European markets.

Our two countries nurture friendly ties, which were further strengthened today by the visit of President Milatović.

In the spirit of this successful cooperation, I am particularly pleased to point out that the economic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are continuously strengthening.

The total trade exchange between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro in 2023 amounted to over 401 million Euros and is higher by about 23 million Euros compared to 2022.

Our two countries are recording positive trends in foreign trade exchange.

The growth of exports and imports, along with the increased diversification of products in foreign trade exchange, and the investments of Montenegro in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the amount of 110 million Euros, from 2021 to 2024, represent only some of the indicators of successful cooperation between our countries.

Today, we managed to organize business meetings of business persons from the energy, agriculture, wood industry, transport and information technology sectors.

These sectors form the backbone of our economy and have the potential for development, innovation and the creation of new jobs. Energy ensures stability and sustainability, agriculture strengthens our food security, the wood industry uses our natural resources responsibly, transportation connects markets, while information technologies accelerate our integration into the global economy.

I hope that this business forum will open up new opportunities for expanding cooperation and attracting new investments.

I would like to point out that, in addition to these sectors, there is significant potential for improving cooperation in the field of tourism between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Our mutual cooperation, supported by strategic investments, can create a solid and sustainable framework that will position both countries as attractive and competitive destinations on the global tourism scene.

The wealth of natural beauty, cultural heritage and hospitality that our countries share represent a unique potential for the development of a common tourist offer.

Investments in this sector, especially through the improvement of tourist and transport infrastructure, as well as increased promotion, provide an extraordinary opportunity for deeper economic connection, the creation of new jobs and the creation of a dynamic platform for development.

Capital is looking for countries and regions with a good and safe perspective.

The perspective of our countries and our region is accelerated integration into the European Union, accompanied by constant strengthening of economic development and growth. It is a vision that we are gradually implementing.

European and Euro-Atlantic integrations are the best way to preserve security and progress. Integration processes are the best means for transforming our country, for strengthening the rule of law, for building a competitive market economy, as well as for improving the business climate.

Special attention should be paid to the modernization of traffic and communication infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening the overall economic cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Through joint work and strategic investments in infrastructure development, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro should speed up activities that will better connect the two countries.

In this regard, projects such as the modernization of road communication between Sarajevo and Podgorica, and the construction of the interstate "Tara" bridge between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, are of great importance.

These, as well as a number of other infrastructural projects, are extremely important for facilitating traffic, strengthening business ties, but also for creating a more favourable environment for attracting investment and creating new jobs.

In order to further improve the cooperation between our countries, we are working on simplifying procedures and attracting investments.

That way, we should enable a faster flow of goods and services, and more favourable conditions will attract additional investments in sectors such as energy, tourism and industry.

The development of joint infrastructure projects, such as the "Tara" interstate bridge, the Čapljina-Trebinje-Nikšić-Podgorica railway and the Adriatic-Ionian highway, will help reduce transport costs and facilitate trade, creating new business opportunities in our border areas.

Additionally, regular holding of business forums and B2B meetings enables companies from our countries to find new partners and expand the business network, which will significantly contribute to the growth of trade exchange.

Agreements that are in the process of being concluded should also contribute to a better connection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Ladies and gentlemen,

let this forum be a platform for exchanging ideas, creating new business opportunities and building solid partnerships.

Let our decisions be guided by a vision of prosperity and long-term economic development for all our citizens.

With business forums, like this one, we open opportunities for concrete investment projects, transfer of advanced technologies and connection of experts, thereby further bringing our markets closer to European standards and values.

I invite investors from Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina to take advantage of the favourable conditions and numerous opportunities for investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our country offers numerous benefits for doing business and support to investments.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all participants of this forum. I am convinced that the Business Forum will further strengthen our interstate relations and open up new opportunities for cooperation.

We are working together on reforms that will ultimately improve the business environment, eliminate administrative barriers, and put public administration at the service of investors and business community.

Dear friends from Montenegro,

I wish you, as our guests, to feel comfortable in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, exchanging experiences and ideas, and building new partnerships for mutual benefit.

Thank you for your attention!