DODIK: SRPSKA FOCUSED ON DEVELOPMENT

TREBINJE, JUNE 18 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska remains committed to development and has recorded growth in gross domestic product for 16 consecutive quarters, President Milorad Dodik said at the opening of the international conference Building the Region in Trebinje.

Dodik expressed hope that conference participants would focus both on achievable goals and on long-term visions, stressing that progress is impossible without a clear vision for the future.

He noted that Republika Srpska has posted GDP growth of between 2.6 and 3 percent over the past 16 quarters. While such figures might not appear remarkable in more stable global circumstances, he said the sustained growth is significant given that many developed Western economies are experiencing stagnation or contraction.

"We have a low unemployment rate and low inflation. We have plans that are moving Republika Srpska toward becoming a more developed community, and we want to share our ambitions and views with investors and contractors regarding what should be done and how," Dodik said.

He emphasized that construction and development projects are underway across Republika Srpska, with a primary focus on strengthening infrastructure links with Serbia through three major transport corridors.

"The first is the northern route from Banja Luka to Bijeljina and onward to Belgrade, the second runs from Istočno Sarajevo through Zvornik, and the third connects Trebinje with Foča and Višegrad before continuing toward Zlatibor. These are part of our operational plans, and we will implement them in line with our capabilities," Dodik explained.

He added that discussions are underway on launching construction of an express road linking Trebinje and Foča, acknowledging the challenges posed by the terrain but expressing confidence that they can be overcome.

Dodik also highlighted several strategic projects, including the planned airport, the recently completed modern hospital in Trebinje, a proposed convention center and the Adriatic-Ionian Highway, which he described as a major development opportunity.

He said government policies had helped make Trebinje an increasingly attractive place to live and invest, noting that demand for apartments in the city remains strong.

Dodik thanked the people and authorities of Serbia for their support in implementing numerous joint projects, including infrastructure investments across Republika Srpska.

He also expressed appreciation for Serbia's role in constructing the Rača-Bijeljina highway section, noting that for decades major transport routes bypassed the Drina River corridor and lacked adequate connections between Serbia and Republika Srpska.

According to Dodik, that situation is now changing, with additional access roads to major bridges planned in the coming period.

He argued that BiH institutions have created administrative and other obstacles to major projects such as Buk Bijela and the Trebinje airport, adding that both projects would likely have been completed already had there been no delays from Sarajevo.

"Nevertheless, we have not given up. Surrender is not an option, and we are moving forward," Dodik said.

He concluded by expressing confidence that Republika Srpska can continue advancing, maintaining stability and pursuing further development.