Zenica-Doboj Canton has recorded strong growth in industrial production, employee wages, and exports, with the highest trade surplus in foreign exchange in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). The economy of this canton is one of the pillars of economic development in the Federation, said Nezir Pivić, Prime Minister of Zenica-Doboj Canton, in an interview for Visit BiH magazine.
What steps and strategies have you implemented to achieve such excellent results?
“At the very beginning of our mandate, we made it clear that economic development and creating conditions for greater competitiveness are top priorities for the Government. Based on data from the first five months of this year, we can be satisfied with the results achieved. In May, the industrial production index reached 114.2 per cent, which is 5.7 per cent higher than in the same month last year. We recorded an export growth of 19.8 per cent and a decrease in imports of 0.4 per cent, with exports covering 106.9 per cent of imports. The foreign trade surplus reached 63.54 million BAM. These positive indicators are primarily the result of the success of our economy and our entrepreneurs, a testament to their ability and skills to compete in the most demanding global markets. The Zenica-Doboj Canton continuously supports the development and competitiveness of companies through various programs and measures. Our approach is to stand by our businesses, and the synergy between the Government and the private sector brings results. All of this has been achieved despite the measures and decisions of the FBiH Government that have negatively impacted the vitality of the economy, primarily by reducing workers’ purchasing power. Their policies created additional obligations overnight for both public and private companies, leading to a sharp increase in inflation and a decline in living standards. Without those measures, our results would have been even better.”
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of every economy. How do you support them?
“The Government has been implementing economic development incentive programs for nearly two decades. In recent years, we have focused on strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs through the purchase of machinery and equipment and the development of business zones in cities and municipalities. We allocate multimillion amounts annually for this purpose. I am proud that some of the country’s largest industrial companies have developed in our canton, especially in the metal, wood processing, and food sectors, and nearly all of them have gained some benefit from our incentives. We also support agriculture, and today our canton is a national leader in raspberry and greenhouse production, as well as in poultry farming.
What key measures are planned to create new jobs, especially for young people?
“Young people are our priority. Through targeted programs and measures, we aim to ensure they can develop, get educated, and stay in our country. We continuously invest in school infrastructure, offer affordable education at the University of Zenica, where the annual tuition fee for regular students is only 50 BAM, and introduce new academic programs each year. Through the Ministry of Economy, we assist young people in launching their business ideas and starting up projects. Our goal is to create the best possible conditions for them to thrive here at home.”
How do you plan to attract foreign investors while retaining domestic capital and talent?
“Zenica-Doboj Canton is the largest investment area in the FBiH, and indeed in the entire country. Currently, investment projects in the canton total 1.043 billion BAM, including 756.8 million BAM in construction projects and 272.3 million BAM in equipment, machinery, and transportation. The construction sector leads with 398.5 million BAM in investments, mainly in road infrastructure, highway construction, and numerous business and residential projects. The mining and quarrying sector follows with 282 million BAM, driven largely by the investment of Adriatic Metals (now Dundee Precious Metals) in the municipality of Vareš. We see positive trends, but the Government aims to further intensify investment to spur even stronger development. Recently, I visited the Italian provinces of Brescia and Bergamo to promote partnerships. Italy is our second most important trading partner, after Germany. Our canton offers many advantages: a strong industrial base, well-developed business zones, and excellent road and rail connectivity.”
Are there plans to strengthen the connection between universities and the private sector so that education aligns with labour market needs?
“Yes, we constantly monitor labour market trends and introduce new academic programs at the University of Zenica to meet employer demand for skilled workers. Next year, we plan to establish an Electrical Engineering Faculty, reflecting our commitment to aligning education with industry needs. We pay close attention to the demand for highly educated professionals, while also supporting vocational schools, which are making great strides every year. We’re one of the few cantons to introduce a new program in Zenica for ‘Solar Panel Installers’, and I am confident that graduates of this field will have no problem finding employment.”
Tourism is often cited as an underused potential. As the cradle of Bosnian statehood, how can Zenica-Doboj Canton strengthen its visibility on the world tourism map and link tourism with other sectors like agriculture, culture, and IT for broader, sustainable benefits?
“Indeed, Zenica-Doboj Canton is the cradle of Bosnian statehood. Along the Bosna River valley, from Visoko to Kraljeva Sutjeska, Bosnian kings once ruled, and medieval fortresses in these towns remain major tourist attractions. Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences are visible throughout our cities, leaving behind significant cultural and architectural heritage. In addition to historical landmarks, we have exceptional natural beauty – the Krivaja River Valley, Kamenica Waterfall, and Tajan Nature Park are all prime examples. Who hasn’t heard of the stone spheres near Zavidovići or the Aquaterm Spa in Olovo? Unfortunately, our Tourism Associationwas inactive for almost a decade after being dissolved in 2015, but we re-established it last year. It now enjoys full Government support. In the first five months of 2025, tourists recorded 81,938 overnight stays, a 21.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024 – proof that tourism is becoming a major economic driver in our canton. In recent years, we have invested in tourism infrastructure and facilities, aiming to make the canton an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors. This approach also promotes rural tourism, boosts the hospitality and accommodation industries, and strengthens all related sectors. I am confident that this strategy will create new jobs and generate substantial economic benefits.”
