Interview with Amir Salkanović, Chairman of the Management Board, ProCredit Bank Bosnia and Herzegovina
What market trends are you seeing in your country?
Bosnia and Herzegovina are experiencing a strong shift towards digital banking, with increasing adoption of mobile apps, online payments, and contactless services. While fintech solutions are gaining traction, traditional banks remain trusted, allowing institutions like ours to blend reliability with innovation. Sustainability and ESG initiatives are also a growing focus, particularly in energy, construction, and finance. Green financing solutions are supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Additionally, e-commerce is expanding rapidly, transforming consumer behaviour and business operations. However, challenges remain, including labour shortages due to emigration, driving businesses to improve working conditions and explore foreign labour markets.
What makes your country special for companies seeking business there?
Bosnia and Herzegovina offers strategic access to both EU and Southeast European markets, with a competitive cost structure and a skilled workforce in industries like metal processing, woodworking, and IT. Lower labour and operational costs make it an attractive destination for businesses seeking efficiency and growth. The country also has a strong industrial tradition, particularly in metal and wood processing. Companies can benefit from cost-effective production and export opportunities while leveraging local resources. With a growing business ecosystem, Bosnia and Herzegovina serves as a promising hub for regional expansion.
Can you share a recent success story from your bank?
A major success was the Regional B2B Summit, which brought together 500 participants from 12 countries, focusing on wood, metal, and food production industries. The event facilitated over 700 business meetings, enabling meaningful connections and fostering partnerships across the region. Beyond networking, the summit served as a strategic platform for businesses to explore expansion opportunities and strengthen their presence in European markets. By supporting these industries, we reaffirmed our commitment to economic growth and regional collaboration
Which priorities do you see for your bank for the next year?
Our key priority is strengthening relationships with existing clients and reinforcing the "Hausbank" concept, ensuring businesses rely on us as their primary financial partner. Expanding our lending portfolio in the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise sector remains essential. Additionally, we aim to support the rising demand for solar energy projects by providing tailored financing solutions. We are also focusing on individual clients, offering digital-first solutions to improve convenience and accessibility.
Which opportunities do you see for German businesses in your country?
German companies can leverage Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strong industrial base, particularly in metal and wood processing, where competitive costs and skilled labour create an ideal outsourcing destination.
Many local firms already supply global brands, offering opportunities for expanded collaboration. The renewable energy sector is another key area, with increasing investments in solar and green energy solutions. IT and digitalization are also thriving, with local companies providing software development and cybersecurity services to international partners. Additionally, the automotive supply chain, agriculture, and eco-tourism sectors present promising investment opportunities for German businesses looking to expand in Southeast Europe.
