BBI Bank Announcement for the 14th Sarajevo Business Forum

Exploring economic growth potential through international cooperation, technological innovation, and tourism development

Smart technology, infrastructure investments, and tourism at the center of the premium edition

Bosna Bank International, the main organizer of the international business conference, is pleased to announce this year's premium edition of the Sarajevo Business Forum, scheduled for May 21, 2025, at Swissotel, Sarajevo.

The Forum will highlight key themes such as strategies to strengthen regional economic cooperation, the importance of investments in infrastructure projects, and the development potential of tourism and digitalization. Through panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions, participants will have the opportunity to explore these topics in-depth and exchange perspectives with distinguished officials, business leaders, and experts from various industries.

“Sarajevo Business Forum, the most significant socially responsible project of BBI Bank, has become one of the leading business events in the region. This year's premium edition will provide a unique opportunity for networking with top experts and business leaders, exploring successful collaboration models, and identifying ways to attract business investments for faster economic development,” stated Amra Babić, Director of Marketing and Communications at BBI Bank. She also noted that this year’s event expects over 500 participants, including representatives of governments, ministries, investors, and business communities.

Perspectives for Bosnia and Herzegovina through International Cooperation: The Role of Government Policies in Promoting Business Growth

The first panel will examine how government strategies and policy frameworks can effectively stimulate economic activities, attract domestic and foreign investments, strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economic resilience, and support its path toward sustainable development and EU integration. Panelists include:

• H.E. Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• H.E. Igli Hasani, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania
• H.E. Besar Durmishi, Minister of Economy and Labor of the Republic of North Macedonia
• H.E. Mahmut Gürcan, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye
• Mr. Umut Ergezer, Deputy Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

Empowering Business through Technology and Innovation

This panel will focus on strategic partnerships and innovations that can enhance business operations. It will feature the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Republic of Slovenia. Panelists include:

• H.E. Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• H.E. Ksenija Klampfer, Minister of Digital Transformation of Slovenia

And the participation in this year’s edition of the Forum has been confirmed by Dr. Aida Kamišalić Latifić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Slovenia. Additionally, Professor Emir Hrnjić, a finance professor at the National University of Singapore, will deliver a lecture on the impact of AI on financial institutions and its implications for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Strategic Business Practices in Tourism and Their Economic Impact

This panel discussion will showcase approaches to enhancing tourism offerings and attracting investments in the sector. Panelists include:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nasiha Pozder, Minister of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director for Europe, UN Tourism
• Vedrana Vikić Musić, Director of Airport Services, Sarajevo International Airport
• Tamir Mostarac, Senior Banker at EBRD.

Delegations from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Türkiye, Slovenia, Albania, North Macedonia, and Somalia have confirmed their participation in this year’s premium edition. The presence of esteemed panelists and participants guarantees a conference program of exceptional quality and diversity.

The Sarajevo Business Forum is organized by Bosna Bank International in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and domestic and international sponsors, including JP Autoceste FBiH, BH Telecom, Sarajevo International Airport, Shot d.o.o. Zenica, Vienna Insurance, BIMAL, Bosna S, Cloud IT, Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo, Ibis Styles Sarajevo, Cube Design, Zanat, Amko, Geos DB, Hifa Oil, Hifa Petrol, Ping, Enerdayne, Dhabi d.o.o., Prima ISG.