In preparation for the diplomatic mission, the newly-appointed Ambassador of BiH to UAE Šerif Mujkanović, the newly-appointed Ambassador of BiH to Iran Samir Veladžić, and Consul General of BiH in Italy Ružica Udovičić visited FIPA to get information about the Agency's work on attracting foreign investments and promotion of BiH, and to get ready for the work on economic cooperation between BiH and countries in which Ambassadors will work.

The FIPA Director Gordan Milinić informed the BiH diplomats about the work of the Agency, possibilities for investing in BiH, cooperation of FIPA with relevant institutions, and coordination of the work of the BiH institutions in the field of attracting foreign investments. He spoke about the difficulties faced by foreign investors in BiH in the realization of their investments, as well as the need for more significant support from all competent institutions in reducing the administrative procedures for starting a business, taking into account the importance of every new job created in BiH in the current circumstances.

It was pointed out that in 2017 the inflow of foreign investments reached 780 million BAM, which represents a significant increase compared to the previous years, and that for this reason, it is necessary to work on promotion of the country abroad with the aim to find new investors, where significant contribution can be given by the newly appointed ambassadors.

Italy is at the 8^th position of the list of foreign investors, with 603 million BAM invested. The interest of Italian companies in investing BiH exists, which is confirmed by the permanent contacts and meetings that FIPA has with investors from Italy.

The United Arab Emirates is ranked at 15^th in the list of foreign investors with 185 million BAM invested in the tourism, real estate, food and other sectors. There is an interest of investors from this country in investing in multi-million projects in BiH.

When it comes to the inflow of foreign investments from Iran, it is very modest and amounts to about 1 million BAM. There is an interest in investing in BiH; however, the existence of a visa regime between the two countries greatly complicates the development of economic cooperation.

The Ambassadors are expected to establish cooperation with the chambers of commerce of the receiving countries, and other associations responsible for the economy in order to try to improve the inflow of investments in BiH and exports.

They are also expected to make efforts to ensure the media promotion of BiH in the country of admission, and to organize economic events with the goal to promote BiH and its potential for investing, and presenting economic opportunities.