Samir Šibonjić, Minister of Economy of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDC), is a successful businessman and manager with extensive international experience and years of accomplishments. Throughout his long career in the private sector, he has participated in numerous global conferences and congresses where he promoted Bosnia and Herzegovina. This rich experience has also served him well in his role as minister. In an interview with Visit BiH Magazine, he spoke about ZDC’s economic potential, how to attract foreign investors, and how to inspire young people to stay and strengthen the economic power of both ZDC and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
You’ve led the Ministry of Economy in ZDC for three years. What achievements are you most proud of, and what are your plans going forward?
From the moment I assumed the role of Minister of Economy, I’ve strived to establish a completely new way of cooperating with our entrepreneurs, partners, and anyone looking to start a business or invest in our canton and our country. Through constant investments in our 26 industrial zones, we aim to support existing companies and at the same time create better conditions to attract new investors.
ZDC is known for its strong economy and industrial production, it’s the backbone of Bosnia’s economy. This year, we have a record-high incentive fund exceeding ten million convertible marks, supporting equipment acquisition, the introduction of new technologies, adoption of new standards, certification, construction of production facilities, tourism infrastructure, and strengthening the tourism offer.
I’m particularly proud of establishing the ZDC Tourism Board and developing many new locations for tourist visits. We’re especially happy to have revived ZEPS, the largest economic fair and a symbol of Zenica, the Canton, and Bosnia’s industry.
Under my leadership, the economy has been prioritized by the cantonal government. We’ve restored dignity to entrepreneurs and workers who create new values and are responsible for the progress of our society, placing them where they belong.
What kind of economic potential does ZDC have, and how can it be further improved?
ZDC has the best geographic position, it’s located in the heart of our homeland. We have well-developed infrastructure, but most importantly, we have business-savvy entrepreneurs and hardworking people who know how to create value. I believe that this human factor, our warmth and hospitality, is our strongest asset in attracting investment.
Bosnia is a country of good people and great hosts, and I firmly believe ZDC is and will remain the engine of our country’s development. The growing number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, are drawn to our region, the area with the most fortresses where Bosnian kings once ruled, home to numerous rivers, mountains, and the stunning Tajan Nature Park, which features one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, Forest Creek.
We also have the Ponijeri Ski Center, the stone spheres in Zavidovići, the pyramids in Visoko, and a superb ethno-gastronomic offer of traditional Bosnian cuisine. All these elements represent vast potential for growth and development that will undoubtedly remain a driving force for the country.
ZDC is currently attracting investors from Turkey. How are they investing, and how can you attract investors from other countries? Which industries show the most promise?
We’re pleased that the number of foreign investors is growing. Direct foreign investments in the canton have surpassed one billion convertible marks. Turkish investors have been especially active lately. As someone who studied and worked in Turkey, I continuously use my network and communication channels to invite Turkish businesses to invest here.
We’re glad to see a rising number of Turkish companies operating in hospitality, tourism, and industry. The largest foreign investor in the canton is the Turkish company Hayat Holding. This year, they expanded their paper production line from 30,000 to 50,000 tons, investing over €16 million. They also announced the construction of a new pulp boiler valued at over €120 million.
Turkey has made significant strides in machine and equipment production, as well as in technology. We’re happy to have genuine friends in Turkey, and we will continue working to strengthen our traditionally good relations.
ZDC recorded export growth and import reduction at the beginning of 2025. How did you achieve this?
Despite facing numerous challenges at the start of the year, ZDC’s businesses and diligent workers achieved impressive results in Q1: a 4% increase in industrial production, a 20.90% rise in exports, and a trade surplus of over 63 million BAM.
These results stem from consistent collaboration, incentives, opening new markets, and finding new clients. As a Ministry, we’ve worked to raise the competitiveness of our economy by creating increasingly favorable business conditions. Our trade fairs, the Tešanj Business Fair and ZEPS, play a significant role in helping our companies showcase their products and find new partners.
How is your ministry supporting younger generations?
We strive to support young people through various incentive measures. One of our projects in collaboration with the REZ Agency is the establishment of IT HUBs for youth. On November 25 last year, we opened ZENCODE, a state-of-the-art IT center in Zenica, equipped with the latest technology for young professionals.
This year, on September 15, we’re opening another IT HUB in Zavidovići, and one more in Maglaj on September 20. Our goal is to enable young people to work and create projects within our country, using their skills and knowledge.
Zenica will once again be the center of the economy during the ZEPS Fair in September. What does this fair mean for ZDC and for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
We are delighted to have brought back ZEPS. Even more exciting is the massive interest in this year’s edition of Bosnia’s largest and most important business fair. For ZDC, ZEPS represents a way of life, work, production, and the drive to create new values are in our DNA.
For Bosnia, ZEPS proves that we can proudly say we host one of the best economic fairs in the Balkans. I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending this year’s ZEPS, wishing them great success and a pleasant experience. I also invite all our fellow citizens to be the excellent hosts they’ve always been.
