The Principal Deputy High Representative, Donald Hays, on Monday called upon business associations and government officials to cooperate toward a concrete and public action plan to support entrepreneurs, create jobs and promote investment.
Speaking to journalists after a forum in which representatives of local business associations discussed the barriers they face with government officials of all levels of BiH, including BiH Minister for Economic Relations and Foreign Trade Azra Hadziahmetovic, Federation Minister of Trade Andrija Jurkevic, FIPA General Director Mirza Hajric, and Cantonal and Municipal officials, Ambassador Hays said:
“There is plenty of potential for growth in BiH, which is rich in human talent and natural resources. The problem is that the government is not acting as a proper partner to unleash that potential.”
Ambassador Hays said that while politicians are still holding up key laws that will create a Single Economic Space, business people are already operating throughout BiH. “All they want is for the politicians to get rid of absurd barriers, contradictory tax systems, and corrupt bureaucratic practices that prevent companies from reaching their full potential.”
He called for faster and more efficient business registration, banking reform to enable access to credit, and the prompt passage of laws on the Land Registers, currently before the Entity parliaments. “The role of the Government must be to clean up corruption that is hindering honest business development. A shift in mentality is required so that Government acts as a facilitator and provider of services to the citizens.”
Ambassador Hays called upon business associations to organize themselves to act as a strong interlocutor with the Government to ensure that their voice is heard.