Economic and industrial development in Bosnia and Herz

Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing a period of economic activity focused on industrial development, foreign investment, and sustainability. Regional trade fairs, such as the 30th International General BH Fair (ZEPS 2026), have facilitated interest from foreign entities, including Austrian companies looking to invest in the metal, wood, and IT sectors.

The defense industry has also seen growth, with revenues for six key companies in the Federation of BiH rising from 270 million KM in 2022 to 554 million KM in 2025. To support local competitiveness, the Zenica-Doboj Canton has allocated 3.6 million KM to 162 enterprises.

Parallel to industrial growth, there is an increasing emphasis on the green economy. The 22nd EKOBIS international ecology fair in Bihać, featuring 218 exhibitors, highlighted the importance of the green transition for local companies to remain competitive within the European market. Mirsad Jašarspahić, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that this transition is critical through new technologies and business models. In Tuzla, local authorities are promoting solar energy adoption to combat air pollution by providing technical and administrative guidance to help citizens achieve prosumer status.

Furthering regional trade, the 20th Tešanj International Fair opened with the United States as the partner country. The fair features over 800 exhibitors and focuses on energy sustainability, specifically the South Gas Interconnection. Prime Minister of Zenica-Doboj Canton Nezir Pivić described the canton as the “backbone of the country’s economy,” noting its strong production and export-oriented industries. Additionally, financial institutions like ProCredit Bank are participating to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in diversifying their markets.