FINANCIAL PRESSURES ON REPUBLIKA SRPSKA REMOVED

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 15 /SRNA/ – Minister of Finance and Treasury in the Council of Ministers of BiH Srđan Amidžić says that blockades and financial pressures on Republika Srpska have been removed.

"For example, when Donald Trump Jr. came to Banja Luka, everyone thought it was a political spectacle. However, they did not understand that it was an American political message to international financial institutions that Republika Srpska is a credible partner and that the policy of those who make decisions about these areas has changed," Amidžić said.

He stressed that the improved credit rating would certainly contribute to the development of Republika Srpska’s economy, in which more than EUR 600 million euros is effectively available.

Amidžić says this includes, among other things, financing the construction of the Foča–Šćepan Polje road, as well as settling outstanding taxes and contributions for all healthcare institutions in Srpska.

"We signed a 45-million-euro agreement with the World Bank to settle outstanding taxes and contributions at the University Clinical Center /UCC/ of Republika Srpska in Banja Luka. The first tranche will amount to BAM 20 million, and by the end of the year all employees will have their employment service contributions paid and their years of service connected," Amidžić told ATV.

In addition, Amidžić says, funds have been provided to relocate the Psychiatric Clinic near the UCC of Republika Srpska and to renovate other such clinics in Republika Srpska.

"A tender has also been announced for the construction of a student dormitory in Foča, as well as a Science and Technology Park in Banja Luka, while work is also underway on a major irrigation system in Republika Srpska," he said.

He said that a 35-million-BAM grant had been approved for nine municipalities and six cities in Republika Srpska, as well as EUR 40 million for numerous road rehabilitation projects.

"When we add all of this together, including water supply and sewerage projects, we have more than EUR 600 million in effective funding," Amidžić said.

He announced that two large projects will be worked on with the World Bank in connection with the Corridor Vc from Doboj to Vukosavlj.

Amidžić, who is also SNSD general secretary criticized the incompetence of the Banja Luka city authorities for borrowing at unfavorable interest rates, which, he says, will be paid for by future generations.