MITROVIĆ: SERBIA IS IMPORTANT FOREIGN TRADE PARTNER OF SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, JULY 9 /SRNA/ - The Republika Srpska Minister of Economy and Entrepreneurship Vojin Mitrović told SRNA that foreign trade with Serbia accounts for 16.5 percent of Srpska’s total trade and emphasized that cooperation with Serbia is continuously being improved.

"It is in our interest to export as many products as possible to Serbia and to achieve the highest possible level of finalization, thereby becoming competitive and recognizable," Mitrović said.

Mitrović cited the defense industries of Serbia and Republika Srpska, the agricultural production, food industry, energy and IT sectors, and tourism as interesting fields of cooperation.

"These fields are very important," Mitrović said.

He stated that events such as the Serbia-Republika Srpska Business Forum, held last July, represent an important platform for both business entities and institutions. He added that these events facilitate the exchange of experiences, the signing of new contracts, and the establishment of agreements on joint projects that are important to both sides.

SERBIA'S EXPERIENCES IN ADAPTING ITS ECONOMY TO THE EU SHOULD BE UTILIZED

Mitrović pointed out that political and institutional cooperation with Serbia is significant, both in the legal and legislative frameworks.

"We have had numerous contacts with Serbia's institutions, which have advanced far ahead of us on the path toward the EU. We utilize much of their experience, as well as their legal and subordinate regulations, to adapt our legislative framework as simply and smoothly as possible, thus preparing our economy for the EU accession process," Mitrović emphasized.

He said that Republika Srpska and Serbia have many joint projects and jointly enter other markets.

EXPO 2027 IN BELGRADE - OPPORTUNITY SRPSKA'S ECONOMY MUST NOT MISS

Mitrović said that Expo 2027 in Belgrade will enable Republika Srpska, together with Serbia, to showcase what it currently has and how far it has come in certain fields. It will also provide an opportunity to conclude contracts and agreements, opening new prospects for economic development.

"Serbia has dedicated significant attention to this event, primarily through the construction of infrastructure and facilities, demonstrating its strong interest in presenting its economic potential and attracting countries from around the world," Mitrović said.

He emphasized that the achievements of new technologies and various sectors of the economy will be showcased in one place in Belgrade, but that the Expo will, above all, serve as an opportunity to promote an entire society, including its history.

"Republika Srpska has already begun preparations. A meeting was organized through the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers, to which representatives from the Federation of BiH /FBiH/ were invited, but their ministers did not show up," Mitrović said, adding that this clearly shows the influence of politics.

Mitrović believes that both Republika Srpska and the FBiH have much to present at Expo 2027.

"It is an opportunity to show the world what we currently have and how far we've come in certain fields. We enjoy Serbia's absolute support in this, and this is an opportunity Republika Srpska must not miss," Mitrović said.