Minister Konaković participated in the Sandžak Business Forum 2026 in Novi Pazar

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, participated in the Sandžak Business Forum on May 7, 2026, held in Novi Pazar.

The forum gathered businessmen, investors, and representatives from the academic community and institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and the surrounding region. Throughout the event, participants engaged in project presentations, business networking, and panel discussions on key economic development topics, with a particular focus on infrastructure investments, tourism, and the real estate market.

Minister Konaković emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, highlighting that the Western Balkans collectively represent a market of nearly 18 million people. He asserted that fostering connections among these countries leads to more stable economic growth, greater resilience to crises, and a stronger position towards the European Union and global partners.

The Minister noted that political and economic connectivity enhances the region's attractiveness to investors, facilitates trade, and accelerates modernization. He remarked that Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro share not only borders but also a common interest- the European perspective, which can be achieved more effectively through regional cooperation.

He particularly highlighted the significance of Sandžak as a natural geographical, economic, and cultural link among the three countries, emphasizing its potential for developing cross-border industrial zones, logistics centers, and tourism. In addition to economic interests, he pointed out the deep traditional, religious, family, and friendship ties that have existed for generations, which serve as a bridge of trust, understanding, and closeness among the people in this region.

Minister Konaković stressed the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen its connections with this area through open dialogue, collaborative projects, and enhanced institutional and economic ties. He also underscored the responsibility of institutions to create an environment where the energy of the diaspora, alongside entrepreneurship and innovation, can be directed toward concrete development projects. He described the Sandžak Business Forum as a platform where ideas, trust, and a shared vision for the future can be transformed into tangible business initiatives, reaffirming the enduring bonds among the people in these regions.