The current state of tensions between Russia and the EU could open Russian markets to producers in the Balkans, and BiH Foreign Trade Minister Boris Tucic is working to take advantage of the opportunity.
Tucic noted that the sanctions Russian imposed on imports from EU countries were mostly for agricultural products, which represented an opportunity for the countries of the Balkans.
“All institutions and export-oriented producers from Bosnia and Herzegovina have to act mutually to use this export chance,” the minister said.
Part of Minister Tucic’s strategy involves making use of Bosnia’s ties with Serbia, which has a free-trade agreement with Russia.
“Serbia is in the most favorable position of all countries of the region because of its free trade agreement with Russia,” the Minister Boris Tucic said.
“For a while now there have been initiatives for mutual action by the countries of the region in third markets – and one of those markets is surely Russia,” he added.
“We hope that in the upcoming period these initiatives will be implemented. However, we cannot lose from sight the fact that the Russian market is demanding, especially when it comes to certain specific products,” he continued.
