Minister Sibonjic: The Diaspora Is a Development Partner, Not Just an Emotional Bond with the Homeland

At the invitation of the organisers of the Congress of the Strategic Bosniak Organisation for Cooperation with the Diaspora, recently held in Sarajevo, Minister of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton Samir Sibonjic followed the messages and conclusions aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation with diaspora members with great interest.

Minister Sibonjic emphasised that the diaspora is not merely an emotional bond with the homeland, but a key development partner with whom it is essential to build bridges of economy, investment and shared visions. In the Zenica-Doboj Canton, this is not just a declarative commitment but a policy already being implemented through concrete steps – from institutional support for all diaspora initiatives, through record allocations of KM 10 million for small and medium enterprise support, to the development of entrepreneurial and industrial zones across multiple municipalities.

The Minister particularly highlighted the importance of direct communication with the diaspora, referring to recent working meetings with canton citizens in Frankfurt, which demonstrated how vital it is for institutions to be active partners to the diaspora on the ground – not only in Sarajevo, but also in Tešanj, Kakanj, Zavidovići, Žepče and other communities that the diaspora recognises as part of its identity.

Thanking the Congress organisers for their important initiative, Minister Sibonjic conveyed that the Ministry of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton stands ready for every project leading to new employment, development and strengthened trust between institutions and the diaspora.