The political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is challenging but the rewards for overcoming obstacles are great and the International Community is committed to helping citizens to overcome those obstacles, the High Representative Valentin Inzko said today. He added that people in Bosnia and Herzegovina want prosperity, security and integration into the European Union, “and politicians who would seek to stand in the way of that are like King Canute trying to hold back the tide.”
The High Representative was speaking at the 7th Austrian Central and Eastern European Economic Forum in Velden, where he described Bosnia and Herzegovina as “a country that offers real opportunities for business,” which now needs “the practical partnership of trade and investment”. He reminded the investors of BiH’s proximity to the EU market, its well-educated and skilled workforce, a favourable fiscal policy with one of Southeast Europe’s most modern and most effective indirect tax systems, and other advantages that this country has to offer.
“Now, when Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken the key step of applying for EU membership, we are on the right trajectory,” the High Representative said. “This is a trajectory that opens up possibilities for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and possibilities for prospective partners outside the country who are considering doing business in Bosnia and Herzegovina. What the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina need is partnership. They need the practical partnership of trade and investment.”