Bosnia and Herzegovina has a massive talent pool and its economic potential is hugely underexploited, High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko said today during a meeting in Austria with German Economy Minister Karl-Theodorzu Guttenberg.

“The country is open for business and undergoing comprehensive economic reforms with the aim of attracting foreign investors,” Inzko said.

He stressed the need for the international community to support the country’s economic development in addition to promoting political reform.

“Since taking up my mandate in March of this year, I have been advocating a stronger focus on the economy,” Inzko said. “Political leaders need to understand that citizens long for financial and economic security, which can only be achieved through long-term investment and the creation of new jobs.”

The High Representative and EU Special Representative identified several strategic investment areas, including infrastructure projects, tourism and the energy sector, and he urged German and other foreign investors to consider doing business in Bosnia and Herzegovina.