Interview for Anadolu Agency: Economic Development Key for the Future of Youth

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Minister of Economy of Zenica-Doboj Canton Samir Sibonjic spoke about the economic potential of the canton, investments, tourism, and the importance of economic development in halting youth emigration from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zenica-Doboj Canton holds a strategically exceptional position in the very heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, spanning over 3,500 square kilometres with twelve cities and municipalities. The canton is a leader in the metalworking industry and steel production, has a well-developed wood and textile industry, and strong food production, with twenty-two industrial zones under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy. Since taking the helm of the Ministry, a series of meetings have been held with business associations, development agencies, the Chamber of Commerce and Crafts Chamber of ZDK, and representatives of international organizations and embassies, with visits arranged with entrepreneurs from Germany, Austria, Turkey, Singapore, and other countries.

The ZDK Government has secured the largest amount of economic incentives totalling 8.2 million KM — of which 3.6 million is for the development of industrial zones and marketplaces, and 4.6 million for strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. Notable investments include Natron-Hayat's investment of over 50 million euros, and the concession for Adriatic Metals — Eastern Mining in the municipality of Vareš worth approximately 200 million KM. ZDK was the first canton in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt a public-private partnership law, and in the past year, 340 new companies engaged in renewable energy production were established. The establishment of the ZDK Tourism Association has been initiated, with the canton's territory abounding with tourist potential: the pyramids in Visoko, the stone spheres in Zavidovići, the Tajan Nature Park with its speleological caves, the fortresses in Vranduk, Maglaj, and Tešanj, and the Ponijeri Ski Centre.

"We must build a society of equal opportunities and together do everything in the canton's power to ensure the return of as many Bosnians and Herzegovinians as possible to their homeland. Only through economic development can we put an end to the narrative of youth leaving the country. The message to young people is above all to love their homeland, to nurture our relationship with the state, to learn, and to make an effort. We must create a society of equal opportunities and together do everything in the canton's power to ensure the return of as many of our people as possible to their homeland," said Minister Sibonjic.