As part of the Collaborative Network for the implementation of the Post-Investment Support Program for Investors in the Republic of Srpska (Aftercare Program), which includes the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship and representatives from 28 local self-government units in the Republic of Srpska, a two-day training was held on April 22 and 23, 2025, at the Administrative Center of the RS Government in Banja Luka. Several important topics were presented during the training.
Participants from Bileća, Brod, Derventa, Čelinac, Foča, East New Sarajevo, Zvornik, Novi Grad, Šipovo, Šamac, Kotor Varoš, Modriča, Mrkonjić Grad, Laktaši, Prnjavor, Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Prijedor, Teslić, Pale, Sokolac, Gradiška, Vlasenica, Srbac, Stanari, Trebinje, Srebrenica, and Doboj were introduced to the key objectives, which include:
- Systematic strengthening of cooperation between local, republic, and private sectors
- Creation of a higher quality and more comprehensive database on existing investment barriers through field visits
- Developing a systematic approach to solving investor problems
- Supporting existing investors in reinvesting
- Strengthening the capacities of local communities
- Establishing a system for addressing the challenges faced by investors, thereby creating a more favorable business environment for investments
- Providing better-quality information about economic flows in individual local communities
- Providing better-quality information about investment potentials
- A systematic and joint approach to promoting investment potentials at both the republic and local levels
Cooperation between local communities and the republic level is one of the key elements for successfully attracting new and retaining existing investments and is one of the important strategic commitments of the Republic of Srpska. In this regard, it was concluded that it is necessary to intensify the Post-Investment Support Program (Aftercare) in the 28 local self-government units, with the aim of expanding the Program to other local communities as well.
To concretize this program, the first step will be the organization of joint visits to economic entities by the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship and municipalities/cities in the coming period.
One of the key instruments for attracting investors is the establishment of effective organization within local communities. A good example is the standard set through the Business Friendly Certification South East Europe (BFC SEE) Program, as well as the support of local government management in all phases of investment attraction, implementation, and monitoring.
Key information that local communities should have readily available at all times in order to provide adequate support to investors was jointly identified. There was also discussion on the regular exchange of information regarding the state of investments, and proposals were made for using best practices in establishing standards of efficient governance and promotional channels.
The Post-Investment Support Program for Investors (so-called Aftercare) has been implemented since 2013 with the aim of encouraging existing investors in the Republic of Srpska to reinvest, as well as improving ties with the local economy.
Mihaela Malešević, Head of the Local Development Department, represented the Municipality of Brod at the two-day Aftercare Program training.
