Premier Pivić and Minister Sibonjic Visit Northern Italy: Focus on Strengthening Economic Cooperation

Premier of the Zenica-Doboj Canton Nezir Pivić and Minister of Economy Samir Sibonjic were on an official visit to the Italian provinces of Brescia and Bergamo, where they discussed opportunities for enhancing economic cooperation with government representatives. Premier Pivić thanked the Italian authorities for their support of Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards the European Union, and presented the Zenica-Doboj Canton with a focus on the economy and investment environment, highlighting advantages such as a strong industrial base, geographical position and transport connectivity.

It was noted that Italy is a country with which ZDK has significant trade exchange – Italian exports to ZDK last year amounted to KM 320 million, while exports from ZDK to Italy stood at KM 200 million, making Italy the second most important market for the canton after Germany. The Premier expressed readiness to sign a memorandum of cooperation with these provinces and invited Brescia Province President Emanuele Moraschini and Bergamo President envoy Erik Molteni to a return visit. Minister Sibonjic highlighted the investment advantages of the canton, particularly its 26 developed business zones.

The delegation visited the Tenaris Dalmine factory, a global manufacturer of steel pipes with over 4,500 employees, and the "Ljiljan" association in Brescia, which since 2012 has served as a link between local authorities and approximately 1,600 citizens originally from BiH. Premier Pivić and Minister Sibonjic also visited the memorial to victims of the Srebrenica genocide in the municipality of Rogno, financed by the "Ljiljan" association with support from municipal authorities led by Mayor Valerio Franzoni.