Since 1994, Slovenia has invested around 610 million euros, making it the top foreign investor in BiH.
‘’These investments opened up around 15,000 new jobs throughout BiH, and the relocation of production contributed to BiH exports to Slovenia and other EU countries’’, said the economic advisor of the Slovenian Embassy to BiH Gregor Presker to FENA.
According to him, there are currently investment activities worth around 50 million euros for the construction of small hydropower plants on the Ljuta river (tributary of the Neretva river).
‘’Slovenian investors are still waiting for a permit to begin the construction, which should be provided by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Issuance of the license has exceeded all statutory deadlines and we hope that the authorities will soon come to a decision. The local community is very interested in this project and fully supports it, while the Herzegovina-Neretva canton has already issued the necessary permits’’, said Presker.
He assessed that the general cooperation between the two countries is excellent and intensive at all levels.
Presker pointed out that Slovenia companies are present in different branches, and there is perspective in the energy, timber and metal sectors, tourism and water and waste management in the form of EU funds.
‘There will be an important joint appearance of companies from our country and throughout the region for the successful implementation of big projects. In this regard, Slovenia and BiH have recognized the possibility of joint ventures in third markets. In talks is the signing of a memorandum on joint appearance in the third market that would represent a formal basis for this cooperation’’, said Presker.