OSCE parliamentarians to consider resolution focused on corruption, climate change and migration at Tbilisi Annual Session

BIJELJINA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 14 June 2016 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), in co-operation with the German Embassy in Sarajevo, organized a conference on the role of local communities in economic development bringing together over 80 mayors, leaders of development agencies, local entrepreneurs and government officials who discussed current economic trends and their implications for the local economy.

The main goal of the conference is to support greater economic interaction by promoting successful examples of local economic development in order to instigate further utilisation of local resources and expertise to develop local industry.

“The main requirements for economic development are social and political stability, a corruption-free business environment, transparent and efficient legislation, trust in the rule of law and excellent education and professional training.” said Jonathan Moore, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “It is governments on all levels which have a crucial role in creating these conditions.”

German Ambassador to BiH, Christian Hellbach, said: “Representatives of local government play a key role to create favourable business environment and make their municipalities attractive for foreign and local investments. In addition, when talking about removing obstacles to economic development, it is essential to involve and consult the private sector and businesses”.

The conference was an opportunity for participants to hear success stories and best practices on local development. Ismar Alagic, Director of Tesanj Development Agency, stated that despite the somewhat unfavourable business environment, the municipality of Tesanj shows constant economic growth. “Our growth and local economic development is based primarily on human resources, technology, capital and natural resources. We witnessed a rapid growth of the number of the employed, and now export our products to over 60 countries in the world.”