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SARAJEVO, September 14 (FENA) - Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH and Minister of Finance and Treasury Vjekoslav Bevanda talked today with Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Pierre Heilbronn about the implementation of projects financed by this bank in BiH.
Bevanda, who is the Governor of BiH in the EBRD, emphasized that this bank finances the leading infrastructure projects in BiH, and is an unavoidable factor in launching new investments.
The interlocutors emphasized the successful cooperation between the EBRD and BiH so far, with a commitment to continue it in the future, which will be regulated by the new development strategy for BiH, which is still being prepared and prioritizes actions where the energy sector plays a significant role.
Bevanda said that Bosnia and Herzegovina has supported all activities aimed at reducing carbon emissions and action strategy in the field of climate change.
"The initial positions of the member states are unequal because BiH, like many developing countries, mostly relies on coal when it comes to electricity production. We appreciate the EBRD's support in environmental projects and are trying to switch to alternative energy sources, but we currently have a high level of coal use and we will need a transition period to put it out of production, which would mean greater gas use," said Bevanda.
They agreed in the assessment that sustainable development in BiH requires a much greater focus on private sector development, which should be one of the priorities of the new EBRD strategy for BiH.
Bevanda thanked the EBRD leadership for their activities that helped in the development of all parts of BiH because 18 agreements with the EBRD are currently in the process of being concluded, and stressed that no project has been stopped at the BiH Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
"I expect that the BiH institutions will continue to work at full capacity, so in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury we are doing everything in our power when it comes to these important EBRD projects and there is no delay. However, it is necessary to carry out procedures in all competent institutions," Bevanda emphasized.
Vice President Helbronn said the EBRD had provided significant support in financing projects that helped address the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and stressed the need to continue these activities.
The meeting was also attended by the Director of the EBRD in BiH Manuela Naessl, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of BiH announced.
(FENA) L. N.
