The Director of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of BiH (FIPA) Gordan Milinić talked with the newly appointed BiH Ambassador to China Tarik Bukvić about the degree of economic cooperation between BiH and China with a focus on Chinese investment in BiH.

It was pointed out that economic cooperation between BiH and China has intensified after launching the 16 + 1 Initiative, that Chinese investors have increased interest in BiH in recent years, but that there is still plenty of space and opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

As of December 2018, according to the Central Bank of BiH, foreign direct investment from the People's Republic of China amounted to BAM 2.6 million, mainly related to the timber sector, construction materials production, services and trade. They mainly operate in cooperation with domestic partners. Also, a number of Chinese companies have signed agreements with relevant institutions of BiH to implement infrastructure and energy projects.

Preparations are underway for several major Chinese investments that should be ready soon for realisation.

In May 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of China and FIPA, with the aim to promote economic cooperation between the two countries and the potential for investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For many years, FIPA has been also participating at investment conference held annually in Ningbo to strengthen established relationships with Chinese investors and find new ones.

The Agency will also provide the Ambassador with all the support needed when it comes to promoting investment opportunities of BiH to Chinese businesses.