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The Renewable Energy and Efficient Cogeneration Operator (OIEiEK Operator) organized a round table yesterday in Mostar on the topic: “Harmonization of Existing and New Regulations to Simplify Procedures for Obtaining Permits for Prosumers.”
Source: OIEiEK

The event brought together representatives of the Energy Regulatory Commission in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry, the Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning, JP Elektroprivreda HZHB d.d. Mostar, JP Elektroprivreda BiH d.d. Sarajevo, representatives of cantonal ministries responsible for construction and spatial planning from the Zenica-Doboj, Posavina, Central Bosnia, Herzegovina-Neretva, West Herzegovina, Canton 10, and Una-Sana cantons, as well as representatives of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and international organizations such as USAID EPA 2 and GIZ.

The round table was held to fulfill obligations stemming from Article 51, Paragraph (2) of the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and Efficient Cogeneration (“Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH,” No. 82/23), specifically regarding the simplification of procedures for obtaining permits for prosumers by cantonal authorities.

Armin Đuliman, a technical associate for mechanical phase and research and development at the OIEiEK Operator, presented the role of prosumer facilities in the energy transition, emphasizing the benefits for both citizens and businesses investing in these facilities. The presentation included an overview of EU regulations and examples of best practices from the European Union and the region.

Particular attention was given to the experiences of certain cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina that have already adopted simplified procedures for constructing rooftop solar power plants, which can now be registered as prosumer facilities under the new legal framework. Aida Sumbuljević, Assistant Minister for Spatial Planning and Construction in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, also addressed this topic.

During the open discussion, representatives of cantonal ministries explained the current situation and outlined the steps taken to meet legal obligations, expressing full readiness to simplify procedures for obtaining permits for prosumers.

Speaking about the obligation and importance of promoting prosumer facilities and informing the public about the benefits of investing in their construction, OIEiEK Operator spokesperson Nataša Mandrapa informed attendees that the Operator has adopted a Public Information Program. She announced that promotional activities would continue to ensure that all information about construction and co-financing benefits of prosumer facilities is promptly made available to all interested parties in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It should be noted that on October 2, the OIEiEK Operator held a joint meeting with representatives of the Energy Regulatory Commission in the Federation of BiH, the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry, and power companies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet obligations related to simplifying the connection procedures for prosumers.

At the round table, representatives of JP EP HZHB d.d. Mostar, Maria Đogić, and JP EP BiH d.d. Sarajevo, Džemo Borovina, provided updates on the progress made in preparing the necessary secondary legislation, which incorporates simplified approaches for connecting rooftop prosumer facilities. They noted that these measures would take effect once cantonal ministries complete their tasks. Additionally, they highlighted an agreement between the two power companies to jointly approach the Indirect Taxation Authority to resolve the remaining uncertainties related to calculating excess electricity generated and fed into the grid by prosumer facilities, through amendments to the VAT Law Implementation Rulebook in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The round table participants expressed a shared commitment to further collaboration in fulfilling obligations to simplify the construction and connection procedures for prosumer facilities and promoting renewable energy sources. Particular support for these efforts was expressed by Mak Kamenica, Director of USAID’s Energy Sector Assistance Project 2 (USAID EPA 2) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The purpose of this project is to provide technical assistance for developing a sustainable energy sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Sarajevo Energy Forum (SEF) 2025, the third of its kind, will be held on January 30 and 31 at the Hotel Hills in Sarajevo, bringing together key players from the energy sector.
Izvor: KLIX

This leading regional event attracts top energy experts, representatives of domestic and international institutions, companies, start-ups, and the best students to collaborate on knowledge exchange and promote innovations in the field of renewable energy sources.

The partners organizing SEF 2025 are the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Renewable Energy Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sponsors include Hifa Oil – platinum sponsor, Fortis Energy – gold sponsor, Smart Solar d.o.o. Živinice, NLB Banka d.d. Sarajevo, City of Cazin, Mikroelektronika a.d. Banja Luka, and Simply Charge d.o.o. Sarajevo – silver sponsors, while Heidelberg Materials Cement BiH d.d. Kakanj is a bronze sponsor. The friend of SEF 2025 is Be Better d.o.o. Sarajevo, and the media sponsors of the event are Klix.ba and BHRT.

One of the new features of this year’s forum is the Renewable Energy Fair, which will gather numerous exhibitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, the EU, and Turkey in one place.

The fair is organized in partnership with Solarex Istanbul, one of the largest global trade fairs dedicated to green technologies. The leadership of Solarex Istanbul will be special guests at this year’s SEF.

Organizers are offering promotional participation rates for companies that wish to showcase their innovations at this prestigious event.

Main Topics of SEF 2025

This year’s forum will address key questions of the energy transition, including:

  • Energy Storage: Grid stability and increased revenues
  • CBAM taxes in 2026: Secure purchase agreements and preparing entrepreneurs for the period of additional export taxes on goods
  • Application of Artificial Intelligence in energy: Predicting production, consumption, and cost management
  • Agrosolar: Dual land use – primarily for agriculture, then for electricity generation
  • Project financing: Best practices, ESG standards, and funds supporting RES projects development
  • Just transition, trends, and potential in solar, wind, biomass, and green hydrogen
  • Energy efficiency and building renovation: A key step toward decarbonization

Special Benefits and Opportunities

The organizers have secured free entry for students with innovative ideas and start-ups operating in the energy sector.

In addition to educational and business opportunities, all participants will enjoy a unique atmosphere at the SEF Networking Party 2025.

Register and secure your place at the SEF 2025 Forum and Fair through the official website https://sef.ba.

There are still a few spots left – don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the energy trends, network with the best, and learn how to build a successful energy business.

After a successful tradition spanning 12 years, Grapos Expo enters a new phase of development, transforming into Grapos Expo Energa – the leading regional event dedicated to energy efficiency and innovative technologies shaping the future of sustainability. This transformation reflects the continuous evolution of the market and the growing importance of transitioning to green energy sources, addressing the increasing demand for sustainable solutions in the region and beyond.

Grapos Expo Energa will take place from December 3 to 5 at Hotel Hills in Sarajevo, one of the most modern hotel complexes in the region. This prestigious venue provides an ideal setting for the fair and conference, bringing together experts and leaders from the energy sector in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo, as a regional hub, adds to the event’s significance, offering the perfect place to showcase innovations and solutions in energy efficiency.

Grapos Expo Energa features a rich program, including an Exhibitor Fair where leading manufacturers of solar power plants, heat pumps, pellet stoves, insulation materials, windows, and doors, along with many other innovators in energy and business, will be showcased. The fair aims to become a key platform for knowledge exchange, business meetings, and partnerships, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the latest industry advancements and modern solutions for energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Particular attention is drawn to the conference program, which will gather experts, business leaders, and academics. Panels and discussions will focus on economic models and business strategies supporting the energy transition, while presentations of innovative technologies will showcase the vision of a sustainable energy future.

The event is organized under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship, and Crafts, with the support of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in partnership with the “Solar Academy” Foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The organizer, Boms-Expo, provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, creating space for connecting various stakeholders in the energy industry.

Grapos Expo Energa is not just a fair – it is an opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and initiating concrete actions that will shape the future of sustainable energy.

Learn more about the event here.

The Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week (SECW) 2024 concluded on September 27th, after five intensive days dedicated to key topics of energy and just transition, climate change, ESG, and the most current issues of ETS and CBAM, reports klix.ba.

The central themes of this year’s event were “Together Towards Carbon Neutrality,” “Just Transition and Critical Mineral Resources,” “Shaping the Future of Electricity,” and special days dedicated to visionary Emerik Blum at Energoinvest and shaping energy security and independence at the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH.

During SECW, 19 panels and nine accompanying events were held, resulting in rich discussions and important conclusions. The panels provided an opportunity for constructive talks about the challenges and opportunities ahead in the energy and climate sectors.

 

Ognjen Marković from EU4Energy, moderator of the panel dedicated to organizing the electricity wholesale market and establishing the electricity exchange in BiH, emphasized the key role of such platforms in accelerating the transition:

“The presentations and discussion at Panel X once again demonstrated the necessity of establishing an electricity exchange in BiH. Only after its establishment will there be a path full of challenges towards joining the EU market through market coupling. It is undeniable that a functional exchange supports the acceleration of investments in renewable energy sources, while the redesigned market should provide security for investors and protection for consumers from large changes in electricity prices.”

This year, SECW also served as a platform for initiating several important projects and partnerships, among which the signing of an agreement between Energoinvest and Wattkraft stands out, laying the foundation for future energy projects. Several significant agreements were also signed, such as the establishment of the Center for Sustainable Energy Transition, continued activities of BiH municipalities in cooperation with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), and other bilateral agreements between organizations.

Prof. Mustafa Musić, vice president of the SECW Program Committee, reflected on future steps in the energy sector:

“In the coming period, we expect significant intensification of decarbonization through increased energy efficiency, both on the production side and the consumption side of energy. Diversification of production towards renewable sources, especially in the electricity sector, will be crucial in the coming years. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina will face certain challenges due to slower regulatory framework and infrastructure project development, with the right approach, we can become part of the global movement towards sustainability,” said Prof. Musić.

He particularly emphasized that the focus of the energy transition will be on innovations and new technical-technological solutions:

“In the coming period, we expect innovations in renewable energy technologies, increased conductor capacities at the same voltage levels, as well as further digitalization and decentralization of energy systems. The IT sector and artificial intelligence will play a key role in maintaining the stability and reliable operation of the system,” concluded Musić.

Dr. Admir Softić, chairman of the SECW Program Committee and Assistant Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, highlighted expectations for concrete actions after this event:

“The conclusions from SECW will serve as a basis for drafting recommendations related to the implementation of international obligations regarding sustainable energy. We plan to form advisory groups composed of participants of this event, which will work on developing concrete projects and initiatives. Our vision is for SECW to not just be a platform for discussion but also a catalyst for real changes in energy policy.”

Dr. Softić also emphasized the importance of networking different stakeholders to promote joint projects:

“One of the key outcomes of this year’s SECW is strengthened cooperation between authorities, the private sector, NGOs, and the academic community. This dialogue is crucial for sharing knowledge and experience, which will help us achieve common sustainable development goals.”

Mirsad Jašarspahić, President of the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH, envisions the future of SECW with an increasingly significant role in shaping energy policy—not only in BiH but also in the wider region.

“This international event has the potential to become the leading platform for discussions on key issues related to energy transition and climate change and to set standards for similar events in the future. The Chamber of Commerce will continue to support SECW to keep it relevant and influential in the years to come,” announced Jašarspahić.

Zina Jusić from the SECW Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to all partners, sponsors, and participants:

“This event would not have been as successful without the support of our partners, patrons, sponsors, and media partners. Their contribution was crucial for the quality of the panels and events. We sincerely thank everyone who helped us realize this important project and look forward to future cooperation,” said Jusić.

The general impression of all SECW participants is that this event has become a key platform for regional and international dialogue on energy and climate, with new projects and partnerships already agreed upon during this year’s edition for the coming year.

The third Sarajevo Energy and Climate Week (SECW 2025) will be held from September 22 to 26, 2025.

SECW 2024 was organized by the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of BiH and nLogic Advisory, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, EU4Energy, Adriatic Metals BiH, Porsche BiH, and SEI, under the high patronage of Dr. Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, and numerous partners. Partner countries were the United Kingdom and Norway.

All information, daily bulletins, and panel materials are available on the website www.secw.ba.

The Republic of Indonesia is the partner country, and the city of Cazin is the partner city of this year’s 18th International Trade Fair Tešanj – BiH, which was officially opened today in Matuzići (Municipality of Doboj Jug). The fair has gathered 611 exhibitors from 15 countries, reports klix.ba.

 

sajam privrede tešanj-2

The organizer of the fair, which will close on September 28, is traditionally the Business Association “Business Center” Jelah-Tešanj.

The president of the association, Saća Prnjavorac, welcomed officials from all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, as well as exhibitors, guests, and visitors to the fair, which is held on about 25,000 square meters of exhibition space, including approximately 7,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Denis Zvizdić, emphasized that the Tešanj fair has continued to grow and has become an “essential destination on the map of trade fairs in BiH, the region, and beyond.”

Zvizdić stressed the need to ensure political stability and commitment to economic reforms, as well as the economic integration of the countries of the Western Balkans region and the continuation of the path towards full European integration, which “requires serious structural, economic, and other reforms,” but also offers numerous opportunities for stability and progress.

“In this process, you entrepreneurs can play an equally significant, if not more important role than ministers or parliamentarians. You have enough knowledge and experience, you know exactly what you want, and you know the best practices and most efficient solutions.

You just need to be persistent in ensuring the necessary legislation is adopted and a better environment for growth and development, greater productivity, and better jobs is secured. What is needed at this moment is your positive influence and pressure on ruling policies to adopt the necessary reforms that are part of the European Union’s plan for the Western Balkans, specifically for BiH,” Zvizdić said.

The Minister of Defense in the Council of Ministers of BiH, Zukan Helez, highlighted that the Tešanj fair has grown into a respectable trade exhibition that connects business people, economic entities, and visionaries and opens new perspectives.

“Every year, every fair has been a step forward in creating new business opportunities and strengthening economic ties. This year’s fair brings a record number of exhibitors, entrepreneurs from BiH and abroad, public companies, representatives of chambers of commerce, and international organizations.

 

sajam privrede tešanj-3

 

The Tešanj fair today is one of the best models for showcasing the economy of BiH and demonstrating its strength and commitment to regional and international cooperation,” said Helez, adding that this year’s fair comes at a very important moment when BiH has opened negotiations with the EU and made a significant step towards European integration.

The Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, Nermin Nikšić, expressed his pleasure in seeing how the Tešanj fair is becoming more significant on the regional map of business gatherings, expressing his belief that it will become an even more important event in the future.

“The fair is a meeting place for business leaders, a place for connecting business visions, innovations for a better future, exchanging ideas, and opportunities for business growth. When it comes to Tešanj, I would comment as follows: Tešanj and the entrepreneurs of this area do not need significant advice on how to start, create, and sustain a business. This is a true industrial region, and I dare say, a center of business ventures. Nothing is left to chance here, which is why the results are what they are and why the success is concrete,” said Nikšić, noting that he is aware that doing business in BiH is not simple.

However, he emphasized that the Government of the Federation of BiH, since its appointment, has taken “a series of steps to ease and relax the business environment.”

“I know that fiscal laws are of particular interest to all of you. But, let me also say, I would love to know: How much, in the meantime, has the government’s Decree on the payment of non-taxable aid by employers been respected?! Let’s see how much employers have thought about their workers!

The decree is a transitional solution until the final adoption of fiscal laws, and its implementation strengthens the synergy between the government and employers on the path to this comprehensive reform. It is further proof that we understand each other,” said Nikšić.

The Prime Minister of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nezir Pivić, emphasized that Tešanj is an economic center and, for the next four days, will be the main business news.

“A local showcase of the achievements of the economy here has grown into a respectable international fair in 18 years. Therefore, a special welcome to the foreign exhibitors, and may you take away the best memories from our Tešanj, our ZDK, and our BiH, and may your participation in the fair be very beneficial, with new partnerships and good business agreements,” Pivić said, noting that the ZDK region is a leader in industrial production and exports in BiH.

 

sajam privrede tešanj-4

 

The Ambassador of Indonesia to BiH, Roem Kono, reminded that this year’s participation of his country at the Tešanj fair coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and BiH.

“Today’s meeting is the first step in opening opportunities for entrepreneurs from BiH to discuss everything and to familiarize themselves with the potential Indonesia has,” Kono said. He emphasized that they want to strengthen cooperation in all sectors.

They are particularly interested, he said, in cooperation in the field of infrastructure and the defense industry, as well as technology transfer. Adriana Mesarović, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Serbia, also expressed a desire to develop cooperation with entrepreneurs from the Tešanj region and BiH.

The central theme of the fair, which will also be the subject of a panel discussion, will be carbon emissions in exported products from BiH. During the fair, the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of BiH and the Public Enterprise Motorways of FBiH will also organize panel discussions in their respective areas.

At the business forum titled “ESG 2.0: Sustainable Transformation in Business as an Opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina”, organized yesterday by Sparkasse Bank BiH at the Swissotel in Sarajevo, Bosnian business leaders discussed key challenges and opportunities posed by the inevitable transition to self-sustainable business models, klix.ba reports.

The forum gathered leading experts and representatives from the business community to address issues of green transition, investments in renewable energy sources, and the application of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in business operations.

Amir Softić, CEO of Sparkasse Bank BiH, highlighted the role of banks in leading changes towards ESG principles and responsible investment and financing.

esg 20 audience

“Sustainable transformation represents a great opportunity for economic progress in BiH, and the role of the financial sector is crucial in this. Banks, like the business sector, can support companies on their path to integrating ESG principles into their operations by adapting their business models. Moving from solely offering credit to stimulating credit demand is a shift in the economic paradigm that we need to seriously consider and translate into concrete actions,” said Softić.

Among the speakers was Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who spoke about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the country’s position in relation to the 2030 Agenda. Damir Vukotić, Deloitte CE South’s Lead Partner, provided an expert overview of the key aspects of ESG regulations and their impact on business. He spoke about the application and measurement of ESG criteria, emphasizing the importance of adapting business models to new sustainability requirements in order to maintain competitiveness in the market. Biljana Braithwaite, Director of Sustineri Partners, spoke about future perspectives through the lens of ESG standards and the importance of integrating sustainable practices into core business strategies as a necessary step towards responsible business.

“Our task is to help companies find a balance between investing in sustainable energy sources, reducing their carbon footprint, and ensuring economic sustainability. Through responsible financing and investment, as well as targeted support for industries vital to job creation such as startups, agriculture, and tourism, along with unique initiatives in financial literacy, which is crucial for the success of sustainable transformation, we will continue to strengthen the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Amir Softić, CEO of Sparkasse Bank BiH.

The forum brought together about one hundred participants, including a large number of representatives from SME sector companies, who had the opportunity to gain new insights and hear experiences on implementing sustainable practices from top managers of large Bosnian corporations and innovative businesses, including ZIRA Group, the overall winner of the Business Leaders in Sustainable Development 2024 award presented by UNDP in BiH, as well as ALMA RAS, Aptha Corp., Hifa Petrol, Klas, GS-TMT, Steco Center Bijeljina, and Maja Halilović, a biodesigner.

Representatives from Finance in Motion BiH and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) spoke about promoting sustainable development through their programs and financing.

The event provided a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas on how Bosnian companies can effectively balance production costs, invest in sustainable energy sources, and operate in the EU market, while facing challenges and finding opportunities for growth.

Amir Softić and Damir Vukotić

The forum was supported by the Green for Growth Fund – Technical Assistance Facility through Finance in Motion in BiH, and funded by the European Union.

Sparkasse Bank BiH continues its mission of supporting Bosnian companies through continuous presentations of the latest business trends, education, and strengthening the capacities of domestic companies. The bank remains a strong advocate for improving the business environment through the application of ESG principles, responsible investment, and financing projects that contribute to the economic resilience and sustainability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Smarter E South America – HDsolar Shines At Smart Energy South America 2024

The smarter E South America was held in São Paulo, Brazil on August 27th, and HDsolar brought its latest tracker technology solutions to the exhibition to share and exchange innovations with global partners.

The smarter E South America is one of the world’s top events in the field of new energy, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibitors and tens of thousands of professional visitors from more than 50 countries and regions. It not only provides a platform for global PV industry participants to showcase their company’s technology and products, but also provides a valuable opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest trends, policy environment and cooperation in the South American market.

At the exhibition, HDsolar focused on the latest Mercury tracker technology solutions. The Mercury tracker adopts an innovative electrical linkage solution, which eliminates the need for a large number of mechanical transmission components through the synchronized linkage of the master and slave control systems, boosting the power generation capacity of the power plant while reducing the installation and maintenance costs required by the traditional mechanical linkage. In addition, the brake system is deeply integrated with the control system and has a double safety guarantee mechanism, which not only improves the safety of the system when dealing with high wind loads, but also reduces operational risks and maintenance costs. By optimizing these technologies and designs, Mercury trackers provide customers with efficient, safe and more cost-effective solutions.
Looking to the future, HDsolar will continue to focus on technological innovation and product optimization, and is committed to providing customers around the world with more efficient and reliable new energy solutions.

The Audience of the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival Will Enjoy Film Screenings Powered by Solar Energy, Reports Klix.

The solar panels, financed by the European Union, were inaugurated by the director of the Sarajevo Film Festival, Jovan Marjanović, and Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Sarajevo Film Festival is a pioneer in many ways, and I am glad it is leading the transition of Sarajevo towards a more sustainable future. Sarajevo is one of the cities selected for the EU Mission ‘100 Climate-Neutral Cities,’ which aims to pave the way for climate-neutral cities. It is inspiring that the most significant film festival in the region plays a key role in Sarajevo’s green transition. The sixty solar panels provided to the Sarajevo Film Festival with EU support will reduce the energy costs of the outdoor summer cinema by up to 50 percent and prevent around 55 tons of harmful greenhouse gas emissions annually. Solar panels are currently the most cost-effective and cleanest form of energy on the market and are crucial for our future security,” said Ambassador Sattler.

The EU Delegation in BiH and the Sarajevo Film Festival are working together to help prevent air pollution in Sarajevo, especially considering the EU Net Zero Mission for Sarajevo’s functional urban area.

“The Sarajevo Film Festival is already taking significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint. The solar-powered summer cinema is one way to reduce emissions during the Festival and to show that, by introducing positive changes, large cultural events like the Sarajevo Film Festival can be organized in a more environmentally sustainable way. We are pleased that, for the first time, our largest summer cinema will use solar energy and that, with EU support, we are moving towards the long-term goal of becoming a zero-pollution festival,” said Director Marjanović.

Solar energy is a vital part of the EU’s strategy to combat climate change and improve air quality. As part of the EU4ALL project, the EU Delegation in BiH financed the purchase of 60 solar panels for the Sarajevo Film Festival, worth 150,000 KM. The project for the purchase and installation of solar panels was implemented by the Center for the Promotion of Civil Society and Help Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe BiH.

The International Industrial Fair, the fair of construction, machinery, and the metal industry, Sarajevo Industry Fair – SIF is a specialized fair that has brought together a large number of exhibitors at the Congress Center of the Hills Hotel. The fair has gathered more than 90 exhibitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, and Europe. It is a unique fair in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has exceptional significance for the development of the industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.