MINIĆ: GOVERNMENT SUPPORT MUST BE STRONGER FOR A COMPANY LIKE "ELVAKO"

BIJELJINA, AUGUST 25 /SRNA/ - Support from the Republika Srpska Government must be stronger and more substantial for companies such as "Elvako MetPro" from Bijeljina, Prime Minister Savo Minić said during a visit to the company.

"Here, hardworking people from Semberija manufacture products and sell them in Switzerland and the Netherlands. You know very well the conditions under which this has to be done, the quality and technology required, as well as the need to offer competitive prices. As our people would say, hats off to the way this production operation is organized," Minić said.

Minić added that he was pleased to hear from company owner Slavenko Ristić that he was ready to secure markets in Europe and around the world.

He emphasized that Ristić had already proven himself through TRB and the defense industry, and said that additional forms of support should be found in cooperation with employers in Republika Srpska.

Minić added that he had been informed that a plot of land had been secured to provide housing for the new workers, with plans to integrate another production process with TRB and employ an even larger number of people.

"Elvako MetPro" owner Slavenko Ristić said that through this company they had demonstrated that the domestic economy, skilled workers and engineers can develop new products that find markets in Europe.

He stressed that, like TRB, "Elvako" relies 99 percent on exports to Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

"This in itself proves that we are highly competitive, that our people here are smart and hardworking, and that what is needed is perhaps a little more institutional support for business and the economy, " Ristić said.

He thanked Prime Minister Minić for taking the time to visit the company and noted that they had received support and understanding from the Government and institutions in the past as well.

Ristić said that around 100 people currently work at the company, while their wider business system employs a total of 1,000 workers.

He confirmed that construction of a facility to which they plan to relocate "Elvako" is underway, providing workers and engineers with better working conditions.

"We will continue to expand our markets and employ young people who want to stay in Republika Srpska," Ristić said.

"Elvako" Director Mladen Ristić stressed that government support was important to them, noting that for the past five years the government had been providing incentives for direct investments, for which they apply.

"Every year, we receive support for some part of our investments, which can be seen in our production facility," Ristić said.