On 16 October 2007, the conference “Platform for Action” on sustainable economic development in BiH through reforms and partnership was organised by OHR.

In their opening statements, Dr. Nikola Spiric, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH; Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, High Representative and EU Special Representative in BiH; and Ambassador Dimitris Kourkoulas, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to BiH all stressed the need to put economic reform high on the policy agenda, so as to foster economic development, the creation of new jobs and poverty-reduction.

The main thrust was that it is necessary to foster dialogue on this topic: the event brought together not only politicians and representatives of the international community but also representatives of the business community and members of academia. The necessary changes must be made through the BiH parliamentary and legislative institutions, and the international community is willing and ready to help.

The event was divided into three sections. The first delved into the obstacles for economic development, such as under-utilisation of resources. The second proposed ways and means for circumventing or overcoming the obstacles by suggesting initiatives with real impact. The third reviewed the conclusions reached so as to transmit them to the State and entity Prime Ministers.

The dilemma of what comes first and the correlation between the economy and political decision-making was presented by Professor Mladen Ivanic, who reviewed the ties that bind the economy and politics, burdened by the past war and socialist economy.

A number of speakers from business, academia and governmental institutions gave their experiences and visions on how to solve existing problems related to the business climate; the labour market; foreign direct investment; competitiveness and the need for a clear Strategy.

In the third session, Dr. Spiric; Mr. Brankovic, Prime Minister of FBiH; Mr. Dodik, Prime Minister of RS  and Mr. Dzapo, Mayor of Brcko District, heard the conclusions reached through the course of the earlier sessions and expressed their determination that changes should be made. They ended the conference by signing the document “Our Platform For Action”.

At the ensuing press conference, Mr. Lajcak stressed that the conference was of vital importance for the country, specifically because it successfully pin-pointed problems that could be solved in a matter of just a couple of months.

Mr. Spiric expressed his satisfaction with the conference as it will help to find solutions for critical parts of the economy. It will also help solve the problem of fiscal coordination and the establishment of the Fiscal Council, which should be active as of December 2007.

Mr. Brankovic stated his belief that the newly-signed document will not be just a piece of paper with no future. He added that he is looking forward to the meeting agreed with Mr. Dodik, in which they will discuss details of the plan for economic growth covering the period 2008 – 2012.

Mr. Dodik voiced his opinion that there is no economy without problems. The measure of political success in this sphere lies is in the results that remain behind the politicians who made the decisions.

Mr Dzapo added that this platform represents the path the whole of BiH should follow.

Ambassador Kourkoulas stresses that this had been a very constructive day in which he heard interesting views about economics. He is convinced that all parties will accept the idea that reforms have to start not because of Brussels but because of the citizens of BiH, and he pledged the help of the EU on the way.