In Tarevci, near Modriča, the Independent Office for Development held the ceremonial opening of its new “Object 2”, for small and medium companies of the Entrepreneurship & Development Centre. The Office also convened the final conference marking the end of the project “Strategic strengthening of existing and establishment of new Entrepreneurship & Development Centres in North-East BiH”. 

Johann Hesse, Head of Operation Section for Economic Reform and Natural Resources of the European Commission Delegation to BiH, Drago Vuleta, Assistant Minister for Refugees and DP’s of Republika Srpska, Mayor of Modriča and other local leaders, as well as representatives of neighbouring municipalities attended this ceremony. 

The project “Strategic strengthening of existing and establishment of new Entrepreneurship & Development Centres in North-East BiH” was implemented by the Independent Office for Development in partnership with Tuzla municipality. Total value of the project is 588,548 KM, out of which 89 percent was financed by the EU. Implementation of the project started in October 2007. 

The new building of 408,30 m2 was constructed to accommodate new export-oriented small and medium enterprises. 

Johann Hesse, underlined huge importance of the project, in which EU invested €260,000. The view of the European Commission is that it is necessary to reinforce the competition of small and medium enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly now in time of global economic crisis. 

Drago Vuleta, Assistant Minister for Refugees and DP’s in the RS Government, underlined that the Tarevci event is a good example on how to assist all returnees in entrepreneurship through opening of small and medium enterprises. “It would be unforgivable and inadmissible if returnees would be in situation to think again where to go and what to do because they are unable to have a sustainable return and life. This is a good example that we can work together with joint efforts. RS Government invested 110,000 KM in this project,” stressed Vuleta.  

Mladen Krekić, Mayor of Modriča, congratulated the Independent Office for Development, and stated that everything done so far had been beneficial. “This had a positive impact on employment and reconstruction of certain premises and we can now say that this has become a small industrial incubator. A new facility was constructed for three export-oriented enterprises. It is important that 10 to 15 jobs will be created, and that the products from Modriča will be placed on European market. This is beneficial both, for Tarevci and Modrica,” said Krekić.

The project was supported by the government of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Sarajevo Canton and Modriča municipality.