Mostar Economic Forum 2025 - 9 April, Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
On 9 April 2025, the Mostar Economic Forum took place within the framework of the 26th International Economic Fair of Mostar (8–12 April), one of the most prominent business events in the Western Balkans.
This year, Italy returned as Partner Country, after 14 years, reaffirming its strategic commitment to the region and its long-standing role as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top export partner and second-largest trade partner overall.
The Forum, organised by the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was opened by its President Marko Šantić and the Italian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Sarah Eti Castellani. Ambassador Castellani highlighted the symbolic and strategic value of Italy’s renewed presence at the Fair, underlining Italy’s active role in supporting the European integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina through strengthened economic cooperation.
The first panel, titled “Connected Region – Challenges and Opportunities”, featured a keynote intervention by Fabio Pigliapoco, Head of the AII-PS. Amb. Pigliapoco reaffirmed the European integration of the Western Balkans as a strategic priority for both the AII and the European Union. He underlined the urgent need to accelerate reforms and highlighted the role of civil society and youth engagement as essential drivers of democratic transformation. The AII, he noted, actively channels these priorities into the EUSAIR strategy through its networks of chambers of commerce, universities, and cities.
The high-level political relevance of the panel was confirmed by the participation of Vojin Mijatović, Deputy Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Josip Brkić, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who both stressed the importance of economic connectivity and regional integration for the future of the Western Balkans.
Also speaking in the first panel was Gino Sabatini, President of the Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce (Forum AIC). Sabatini stressed the Forum’s role as a longstanding bridge between the economies of the Adriatic-Ionian area, and reaffirmed the commitment to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards European integration, with a special emphasis on regional economic development and inter-institutional cooperation.
The Forum continued with two additional panels. The second panel, “Connected Region – Economic Dialogue between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy: Examples and Opportunities,” brought together institutional and business representatives from both countries, including Intesa Sanpaolo Bank and SIMEST, to explore concrete investment opportunities and highlight successful case studies of bilateral cooperation.
The third panel focused on EUSAIR-related projects, with contributions from regional development agencies, tech parks and local government. Among the speakers, Michele De Vita, Secretary General of the Forum AIC, underlined the operational role of Chambers of Commerce in fostering cross-border cooperation and implementing sustainable development projects in the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion.
Italy’s presence at the Fair was further enriched by business-to-business events, thematic exhibitions and showcases of Italian excellence — from agrifood to manufacturing and design — confirming its role not only as a key economic partner, but also as a driver of innovation and cultural exchange in the region.