FROSCHAUER SEES BiH AS GROWING DESTINATION FOR INDUSTRY AND INVESTMENT

SARAJEVO, APRIL 14 /SRNA/ – More than 200 Austrian companies operate in BiH, employing over 8,000 workers, and the country is becoming an increasingly attractive location for production in Europe, Vice President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Angelika Sery-Froschauer said today in Sarajevo.

Froschauer highlighted strong opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, industry, energy and the digitalization sector. “Austria is an important market for BiH and ranks among its top 10 export destinations,” Froschauer told reporters ahead of the business forum "Future Economic Prospects: BiH–Austria", organized by the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH and the Austrian Economic Chamber. She added that Austria is one of the largest foreign investors in BiH, while Austrian exports to the country continue to grow. Froschauer emphasized that Austria strongly supports BiH on its path toward the European Union, noting that the EU perspective is important for stability, reforms and economic growth. She underlined the strong cooperation with the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH as a long-term reliable partner, adding that the Austrian Federal Chamber's office in Sarajevo serves as a key contact point for Austrian companies. Froschauer also noted that today's visit by the Austrian president underscores the importance of BiH to Austria, both politically and economically. President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH Ahmet Egrlić said Austria is one of BiH's most important markets, ranking third after Croatia and Germany, with BiH recording a trade surplus. “Current trade exchange stands at around BAM 3 billion, but there is room for growth. The BiH economy can offer much more to this market,” Egrlić stressed. The forum was held as part of the official visit of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen to BiH, who attended the event along with BiH Presidency Chairperson Denis Bećirović.