Deal signed for joint entry to third markets

BELGRADE - Serbia's Minister of Trade and Tourism Rasim Ljajic and Bosnia-Herzegovina's (BiH) Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Boris Tucic signed an agreement on the joint entry to third markets in Belgrade on Friday.

Ljajic noted that the agreement constitutes a step forward in improving relations between the two countries, adding that BiH is Serbia's third largest export market and fourth largest trading partner.

The agreement also contributes to overall regional stability and sends a message that the Western Balkans could be a good investment destination, he said.

Ljajic said that the next step will be the drafting of an action plan to define fields of cooperation.

Ljajic mentioned tourism among the best fields for such cooperation, as Serbia and BiH could have the joint offer for visitors from far-off countries.

The construction sector, agriculture, food industry, energy sector, defense, car and metal industries also offer prospects for such cooperation.

Tucic said that all countries of the region are competitors to some degree, but that "should not prevent us from joining forces and thus stepping up the quality for third markets".

Serbia is a major market for BiH, Tucic said, adding that today's agreement indicates the direction in which relations in the region should develop.

Photo Tanjug Video, camera operator Zoran Milenkovic