MINIĆ: "ORAO" COMPANY IS PRIDE OF SRPSKA AND ITS INDUSTRIAL GIANT

BIJELJINA, SEPTEMBER 22 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić praised today the work of defense-industry company "Orao" in Bijeljina, highlighting its highly technologically advanced activities and expansion of its range of operations.

"This is our industrial giant, with more than 95 percent of its contracts related to services it provides abroad," Minić told reporters after the ceremonial opening of an adapted facility for the overhaul of helicopter engines, through which "Orao" is also entering the civil aviation sector.

Following talks with the company's management and employees, the Prime Minister stressed that "Orao" was the pride of Republika Srpska, while pointing to the shortage of skilled personnel in this field and the need to explore the possibility of opening an aviation school, as well as the issue of low wages.

"We must work on increasing wages," Minić said, adding that the Government of Republika Srpska would actively engage in ensuring that this industrial giant and its 350 employees in this specialized sector receive higher salaries.

The Prime Minister added that, starting next year, when a new Government of Republika Srpska is formed, he would work on increasing the growth of incentives for development.

"We plan for next year to be even stronger, not only through the investment cycle in infrastructure, but also in the economy," Minić said.

He particularly highlighted the fact that "Orao" employees worked, fought and defended Republika Srpska during the war, and subsequently relocated the factory from Sarajevo, saying that this gives the company a special value.