Croatian exhibitors at the event are presenting a wide range of products from the food, agricultural, wood-processing and textile industries, as well as the ICT and other sectors. Also attending the fair is the Croatian Tourism Board.
"Bosnia and Herzegovina is an important foreign trade partner for us and the Mostar fair provides an excellent opportunity to present Croatian companies and strengthen our economic cooperation," HGK president Luka Burilović said, adding that BiH was important for Croatia also in terms of transport and logistics.
"The completion of the corridor Vc via BiH will bring Central Europe closer to the port of Ploče but also accelerate the economic development of the regions through which it runs," Burilović said.
The HGK also notes that in 2023, 370,000 overnight stays in Bosnia and Herzegovina were made by Croatian visitors while more than 2.7 million overnight stays in Croatia were made by BiH visitors.
Croatia and BiH are important trade partners, with BiH being Croatia's fifth most important foreign trade partner. In 2023 bilateral trade amounted to €3.6 billion, which is 5.7% of Croatia's total foreign trade.
BiH is the fourth most important market for Croatian exporters, who have exported €2.3 billion worth of goods to BiH, a share of 10.1% in the country's total exports.
BiH's accession to the EU will give most impetus to the two countries' economic cooperation, and the EU's recent decision to launch accession talks with BiH is a step towards the accomplishment of that joint goal.
"A demanding journey is ahead for BiH but it will not be alone on it. It can count on the support of Croatia and the HGK as a partner in adapting to the demanding but profitable EU market," Burilović said.
This year's Mostar International Business Fair is attended by around 800 exhibitors from some 30 countries, and the event is expected to draw around 50,000 visitors.