At a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving closer to the European Union and the Mediterranean region is entering a new phase of cooperation, Mr. Muamer Mahmutović, President of the Chamber of Economy of Sarajevo Canton, shares his vision for the Canton’s economic transformation. In the following interview, Mr. Mahmutović offers a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges shaping the Canton’s economic future. He reflects on the Chamber’s strategic priorities, from preparing companies for EU accession and strengthening key industrial sectors to the introduction of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Mahmutović also highlights the growing importance of deeper cooperation between Europe, the Balkans, and the wider Mediterranean. For him, this is not simply a matter of economic exchange, but a strategic necessity at a time when global fragmentation, supply chain shifts, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping regional dynamics. He highlights how Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce can act as bridges, facilitating dialogue, aligning standards, promoting mobility of skills, and supporting joint initiatives that strengthen competitiveness on both shores.
How would you define the current mission and strategic priorities of the Chamber of Economy of Sarajevo Canton?
Our Chamber is dedicated to building a competitive, business-friendly environment that supports sustainable economic growth. Its core mission is to advocate for policies that enhance fiscal and investment conditions, with a strong focus on strengthening SMEs. Through targeted initiatives and continuous dialogue with public institutions, the Chamber works to create more favorable conditions for business development and innovation. A key priority is preparing its members for the opportunities and obligations associated with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession process. The Chamber is equally committed to developing the capacities of its own staff, ensuring they are fully equipped to support companies throughout this transition and to contribute effectively to the alignment of the local economy with European standards.
Which sectors currently drive economic growth in Sarajevo Canton, and what challenges do they face? How does the Chamber support its continued development?
The metal industry remains the leading driver of economic growth in Sarajevo Canton, particularly due to its strong export performance in EU markets. This includes the automotive, electrical, and special purpose industries, which together form the backbone of the region’s industrial output. They are followed by the wood and furniture sectors, as well as the rapidly expanding IT industry, which continues to gain importance in both domestic and international markets. The main challenge these sectors face is adapting to evolving EU regulations and standards. Ensuring compliance requires significant adjustments to domestic legislation and business practices, which can be demanding for local companies seeking to maintain their competitiveness. The Chamber supports these sectors by providing guidance on regulatory changes, advocating for legislative alignment with EU requirements, and offering targeted training and advisory services.
How is the Chamber working to strengthen the competitiveness of local companies in domestic and international markets?
We continually collect information about the problems they face and, at the same time, offer them solutions through individual counseling. We organize seminars on the topics of competitiveness in the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Chamber represents its interests before the relevant authorities to simplify procedures. We submit initiatives for amendments to existing legal solutions in order to facilitate their business.
What initiatives are currently being implemented to attract foreign investment to Sarajevo Canton, and what message would you like to convey to international partners and investors?
The Chamber has long played an active role in shaping a more attractive investment climate in Sarajevo Canton, including initiating the adoption of legal frameworks designed to support both domestic and foreign investors. Today, these efforts are complemented by a range of incentives introduced by the Government of Sarajevo Canton, aimed at encouraging new investments and strengthening the region’s competitiveness. To promote these opportunities, the Chamber participates in numerous domestic and international conferences, business forums, and investment events. Through these platforms, we present the economic potential of Sarajevo Canton, highlight priority sectors, and connect directly with investors seeking reliable and dynamic markets.
The Chamber has long played an active role in shaping a more attractive investment climate in Sarajevo Canton, including initiating the adoption of legal frameworks designed to support both domestic and foreign investors. Today, these efforts are complemented by a range of incentives introduced by the Government of Sarajevo Canton, aimed at encouraging new investments and strengthening the region’s competitiveness
The Chamber has a dedicated Department for EU Integration. How do you assess the readiness of Sarajevo Canton’s businesses for EU accession and the process of aligning with European standards?
We actively support Sarajevo Canton’s business community in preparing for EU accession by organizing a wide range of training, round tables, and seminars. These activities are designed to familiarize companies with EU regulations across various economic sectors and to help them understand how emerging European and global trends may influence their operations and competitiveness. One of the most pressing challenges currently affects transport companies. Due to existing EU rules, truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina are still treated as tourists, limiting their stay in the EU to 90 days within 180 days. Since they are not yet recognized as professional drivers exempt from this rule, companies face significant operational constraints. The Chamber continues to advocate for solutions to this issue while guiding affected businesses as they navigate the transition toward full alignment with EU standards.
What joint projects or initiatives could ASCAME and the Chamber develop to strengthen economic integration between the Balkans and the wider Mediterranean region?
One of the most pressing challenges shared by the EU, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean region is the shortage of qualified labor, particularly due to the limited recognition of professional qualifications across countries. A joint initiative focused on developing standardized training programs -mutually recognized throughout Mediterranean partner countries – would significantly facilitate labor mobility and help address this structural gap. Such programs would not only enable workers to move more easily between markets but would also support businesses in accessing the skills they need to remain competitive. By reducing barriers to mobility, this type of cooperation would strengthen economic integration, contribute to more balanced regional development, and help mitigate migration pressures. A project of this nature, developed in partnership with ASCAME, would have substantial strategic value for the entire Mediterranean region.
How is the Chamber strengthening cooperation with its counterparts across Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans? Could you highlight any agreements or initiatives that best demonstrate this collaboration?
The Chamber maintains active cooperation with numerous Chambers of Commerce in EU capitals, across the region, and beyond, formalized through a wide network of bilateral agreements. These partnerships enable continuous exchange of expertise, joint activities, and stronger institutional ties that support the business community of Sarajevo Canton. A key area of current collaboration is the introduction of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes advancing legislation that will allow secondary vocational school students to learn through practical work, giving companies – both domestic and foreign – the opportunity to invest directly in developing a qualified workforce tailored to their needs.
We are implementing these projects in cooperation with EU partners who transfer knowledge of EU regulation to us and partly finance these reform processes. This joint effort illustrates how international partnerships can directly contribute to strengthening competitiveness, improving skills, and supporting long-term economic development in Sarajevo Canton.
What partnerships has the Chamber established with universities, incubators, and associations to foster new business initiatives and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem?
The Chamber has signed cooperation agreements with the University of Sarajevo and a large number of local institutions and faculties. We are a regular member of the Council of the Faculty of Economics and we cooperate closely with them on all issues of improving the economy because we have always believed that the benefits of practice and knowledge must be used in finding the best solutions for improving the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In your view, what are the key factors required to build effective public–private partnerships, not only within innovation ecosystems but across all economic sectors?
The first thing is that there should exist quality laws on public-private cooperation, and then a willingness to first define what is of public interest and then to let the private sector manage these processes with strict supervision. What we can see from practice in the past period is that sometimes this process was entered without a clearly defined public interest and then added the benefit to some private companies. In that case focus on the public interest is lost in the long run and only focus on private benefit would remain. Public–private partnerships are essential for advancing all economic sectors, but their success depends on clear regulations, well-defined roles, and strong supervisory mechanisms that ensure public value remains at the center of every initiative.
One of the most pressing challenges shared by the EU, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean region is the shortage of qualified labor, particularly due to the limited recognition of professional qualifications across countries. A joint initiative with ASCAME focused on developing standardized training programs -mutually recognized throughout Mediterranean partner countries - would significantly facilitate labor mobility and help address this structural gap
During the recent ‘Euro Mediterranean Economic & Business Forum 2025’ in Barcelona, you highlighted the importance of adopting a triple helix approach to drive innovation across the Mediterranean. Could you elaborate on this idea?
The triple helix model is based on close cooperation between universities, industry, and government to accelerate innovation and economic & social development. When these three actors work together – sharing knowledge, aligning regulations, and supporting commercialization – new hybrid institutions emerge, such as technology transfer offices, science parks, and joint research centers. The triple helix model of innovation is based on the interactions between the three following elements and their associated ‘initial role’: universities engaging in basic research, industries producing commercial goods and governments that are regulating markets.
As interactions increase within this framework, each component evolves to adopt some characteristics of the other institution, which then gives rise to hybrid institutions. This approach blurs traditional boundaries: universities become more engaged in applied research and entrepreneurship, companies invest in skills and R&D, and governments create supportive regulatory frameworks. The result is a more dynamic innovation ecosystem capable of generating, transferring, and applying knowledge more effectively. For the Mediterranean region, adopting a triple helix model is essential to strengthen competitiveness, foster talent, and support sustainable growth. Chambers of Commerce can play a key role by connecting these three spheres, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring that innovation efforts respond to real economic needs.
What major challenges do you anticipate for Sarajevo Canton’s economy over the next decade, and how is the Chamber preparing to address them?
One of the biggest challenges ahead is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the EU, which will bring both significant opportunities and real risks. On the one hand, companies will gain access to a much larger market with greater potential for exporting goods and services. On the other hand, domestic producers may face stronger competition as EU products enter our market more easily. The Chamber is preparing by helping businesses understand EU rules, strengthening their competitiveness, and adapting to the new conditions so they can benefit from integration rather than be disadvantaged by it.
What is your vision for the Chamber’s role in supporting businesses in Sarajevo Canton over the next five years?
Over the next five years, the Chamber’s priority will be to help companies prepare for EU accession by guiding them through the norms and regulations that will shape their future operations. A central task will also be supporting the introduction of the new VET system, ensuring businesses understand the law, their responsibilities, and the opportunities it creates to develop a skilled workforce tailored to their needs. This is a major systemic reform, and the Chamber is committed to strengthening its capacities so it can effectively support companies throughout this transition.
Chambers of Commerce play a key role in connecting universities, industry, and government to accelerate innovation and economic & social development. When these three actors work together - sharing knowledge, aligning regulations, and supporting commercialization - new hybrid institutions emerge, such as technology transfer offices, science parks, and joint research centers
How do you assess the new chapter ASCAME is opening with the renewal of its presidency and bureau? And how do you view the new phase the Mediterranean is entering with the Mediterranean Pact and the Barcelona Declaration, recently endorsed together with companies from Africa, Europe, and the Arab world?
The Chamber of Economy of Sarajevo Canton is proud to contribute to ASCAME’s work, and we welcome the renewed energy brought by the new presidency and bureau. We believe this leadership will give fresh momentum to the implementation of the Barcelona Declaration and to ASCAME’s broader mission. Cooperation in the Mediterranean is one of the imperatives for economic improvement, growth and development of the entire region, especially in light of current world defragmentation events. Progress can only be achieved through joint action and shared solutions. In this new phase, we see ASCAME playing a pivotal role as a bridge between Mediterranean economies, supported by stronger engagement from EU institutions.