BiH northwestern region expects more Chinese investments

The northwestern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) planned to enhance cooperation with China under the "16+1"mechanism, said two top officials from the region on Friday.

Izudin Saracevic, prime minister of Una-Sana Canton (USK), Northwestern Province of Federation of BiH, an entity of BiH, told Xinhua Chinese investments will be more than welcomed in the northwestern region of BiH.

"We are really looking forward to exploring opportunities for cooperation on Sarajevo Business Forum (SBF) with the Chinese side," he said, adding he will participate the forum.

The 7th SBF, to be held in Sarajevo from May 4 to May 5, will focus on "16+1" cooperation under the topic "One region, One Economy -- Perspectives China+16". The annual event is one of the largest business events in the region.

Saracevic noted there were huge potentials for cooperation with China in the fields of agriculture, water resources, textile, wooden industries as well as tourism.

He said the region borders Croatia, a member of the European Union (EU), could provide Chinese investors with advantages to export their products to the EU market.

Emdzad Galijasevic, Mayor of Bihac city, meanwhile said during the interview the city is willing to establish closer relations with China.

"We will try to explore more cooperation with our Chinese friends over culture and trade," he said.

The city needs foreign investment to upgrade its infrastructures and Chinese investors are welcome to talk about cooperation, said Galijasevic.

"The city administration established a special Office for Foreign Investment, and we are ready to do our best to assist investors," he said.