IDB OPENS LAKTAŠI OFFICE

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 2 /SRNA/ - The Investment-Development Bank /IDB/ of Republika Srpska has opened an office in Laktaši to make its services more accessible to clients.

Acting Director of the Republika Srpska IDB Nedeljko Ćorić told reporters that the office would cover the local communities of Laktaši, Prnjavor, Gradiška and Srbac.

"We are confident that this will bring us closer to our clients and customers. These are the policies we are implementing and which were adopted by the Republika Srpska Government headed by Savo Minić. Our goal is to be the most competitive, with the lowest interest rates in Republika Srpska, in order to help all people living here," Ćorić said.

He announced that an office would be opened in Zvornik in November and another in Doboj by the end of the year.

"This will complete our regional approach and ensure that we are available in all regions of Republika Srpska," Ćorić said.

Republika Srpska Finance Minister Zora Vidović said the aim of opening the Laktaši office was to make the IDB more accessible to both citizens and businesses.

"The IDB asked the Republika Srpska Government for approval to carry out some additional activities that will certainly make things easier for businesses and support economic development. That approval was granted, and it will significantly facilitate business operations. Assistance to young married couples was also one of the goals and has helped many young people resolve their housing needs," Vidović said.

According to Vidović, the Republika Srpska Government is working to transform the IDB into a fully fledged bank that would also provide payment services.

"We want to have a state-owned bank. It is needed for investment in projects that private capital is not interested in, but in which the state should and must have an interest in order to develop areas of key importance to Republika Srpska," Vidović said.

Laktaši Mayor Miroslav Bojić said the IDB RS was fully justifying its existence.

"We all know how important loans are for businesses and young married couples. In Laktaši alone, hundreds and hundreds of people have used loans intended for young married couples. I am confident that this office will meet expectations," Bojić said.