At the 9th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), which was held in London from 31st October to 1st November, the Head of the Investment Promotion Department of FIPA Nina Pobric pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina is, thanks to its geographical position, natural passage between the eastern and western Europe, and added that, according to the World Tourism Organization BiH ranks among the top three tourist destinations in the world with potential for annual growth of 10%.
"Thanks to the good reputation and the long industrial tradition, the manufacturing sector has attracted the most foreign investment, 32%, followed by the banking sector with 21%.
Reasons to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina are the strategic geographical location of the country, stable financial sector, the favorable trade agreements , favorable regulatory environment, as well as the tax and customs system, the most stable currencies in South East Europe, the lowest inflation in the region, skilled workforce with a competitive labor cost, a wealth of natural resources and attractive locations for investment and industrial zone.
A promotional film with basic information about Bosnia and Herzegovina - natural resources, workforce, business environment, and the most attractive sectors for foreign investment, such as electric power, metal, tourism, textiles, wood and agricultural sector was presented at the Forum.
The statements of some of the largest foreign investors in the country were also presented who explained their reason for investing in BiH and what are the benefits of Bosnia and Herzegovina for foreign investment.
The presentation of the BiH potentials attracted a significant number of potential investors who were interested in details related to the investment.
Most of their questions were related to the amount of the minimum wage in BiH, electricity prices, official languages, the purchase of land and real estate, tax and customs incentives, partnerships with local companies, the growth of GDP and legislation.
Ninth World Islamic Economic Forum, which is under the motto "Changing World, New Relationship" brought together about 2,700 participants from 128 countries.
The main topics of the Forum were how business can help build links between the Islamic and non-Islamic world that transcend political and religious differences, using of potential representing women as critical drivers of growth, harmonization of Islamic and conventional banking, and the development of technological cooperation between the Islamic and European economies.