Minister Sibonjic Met with Mato Zeko, BiH Ambassador to Japan

Minister of Economy of Zeničko-Dobojski Canton Samir Sibonjic received Mato Zeko, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Japan and South Korea, for a working visit. Discussions centred on cooperation possibilities between the canton and one of Japan's prefectures, and given Ambassador Zeko's prior experience as Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, opportunities for cooperation with those countries were also explored.

Ambassador Zeko expressed interest in developing ties between universities and hospitals in the canton with Japan, particularly in the fields of oncology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Japan's interest in investing in food production, wine and hard cheese, as well as the metalworking industry, was also highlighted. Minister Sibonjic emphasised interest in promoting the ZEPS trade fair and initiatives for cooperation with the Polytechnic, Metallurgical-Technological, and Law faculties in Zenica.

Initial steps were proposed, including identifying a Japanese prefecture with an economic profile similar to ZDK, compiling a list of investment projects, and advocating for tariff reductions on exports of domestic products to Japan, along with efforts to abolish visas for BiH citizens visiting Japan.