ĐOKIĆ: ENERGY SECTOR COULD ATTRACT BAM SIX BILLION IN NEW INVESTMENTS OVER 5 YEARS

TREBINJE, JUNE 18 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska has invested BAM 2.8 billion in various energy projects over the past 12 years and could attract an additional BAM six billion in investments in the sector over the next five years, Minister of Energy and Mining Petar Đokić has stated today.

Speaking at the opening of the conference Trebinje 2026: Building the Region, Đokić said such a level of investment is significant even by the standards of more developed countries.

"These are numerous projects, some of which are entering their final year of implementation, including the Bistrica and Dabar hydropower plants", Đokić said.

He stressed that Republika Srpska is implementing its investment policy in line with modern European and international standards while advancing the energy transition, promoting renewable energy sources and at the same time preserving traditional mining and thermal power generation.

"Republika Srpska is open to new partnerships, and interest in investing here is being shown not only by European companies but increasingly by Chinese and American firms as well", Đokić said.

According to him, this reflects broader policies that have created new opportunities for large-scale development projects.

He noted that construction is underway on a major natural gas pipeline project worth more than BAM one billion, which is expected to significantly transform economic activity across municipalities in Republika Srpska. The development of secondary gas distribution networks could generate an additional BAM 2.5 billion in investment.

"Republika Srpska will increasingly be recognized as a region of construction and development in the coming years. This presents a major opportunity for partners throughout the region to take part in this extensive building process," Đokić said.

He emphasized that only those with a clear vision are capable of building for the future.

Đokić described the conference as important because it encourages long-term thinking, networking and cooperation, helping transform development visions into concrete projects and tangible results.

"Republika Srpska is pursuing its own development path. Despite challenges, we continue to invest in infrastructure, the economy, energy, education and local community development. Our goal is to create conditions in which people will stay, work, raise families and plan their future here," Đokić stressed.

He noted that partnership, the exchange of experience and mutual trust are essential to that process.

"The greatest achievements are never accomplished in isolation, but as the result of joint efforts by institutions, businesses and local communities", Đokić pointed out.

He expressed confidence that the conference would serve not only as a platform for exchanging ideas, but also as an opportunity to establish new partnerships and initiatives that will contribute to the overall development of the region.