Located in the heart of the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina can transform into a regional trade hub. But infrastructure alone is not enough. IRU’s President charted the path forward at the Third International Logistics Conference in Sarajevo.
The third Logistics Conference, organised by IRU member AIRH, brought together industry leaders and international experts to exchange experiences on implementing innovative logistics solutions across industries.
In his opening speech, IRU President Radu Dinescu said, “Bosnia and Herzegovina can become a regional trade hub with the right mix of infrastructure and soft measures given its strategic location.”
“Tools based on international and regional standards, such as the TIR transit system, can have a huge impact. They can mean the difference between a route that is viable, efficient, and secure and one that is not,” he added.
The global TIR system reduces border transit times by up to 92% and lowers transport costs by up to 50%.
“Considering the emerging opportunities brought by shifting trade corridors, I urge you to look into these tools to enhance logistics in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Radu Dinescu.
The discussions also focused on global trends reshaping trade and transport, including the rapid development of the Middle Corridor and the Iraq Development Road. Both are redefining overland connections between the Middle East, Türkiye and Europe.
“The EU accounts for nearly 65% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s trade. But as a gateway country to the EU and with ambitions to be a regional trade hub, Bosnia and Herzegovina should also look east to the increasing trade volumes coming into Europe via Türkiye, the Middle Corridor and the Iraq Development Road,” said Radu Dinescu.
These evolving corridors offer new opportunities for Bosnia and Herzegovina to position itself as a key gateway for East-West trade.
