Ailyn Agonia for Qatar Tribune
Doha
PRODUCTS labelled ‘Made in Bosnia and Herzegovina’ will be visible in Qatari markets, said Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Qatar HE Tarik Sadovif1’e6.
According to the ambassador, a major Bosnia and Herzegovina food producer has recently found a partner in Qatar which will make it possible for his countryf0’s products such as berries, meat and halal food to be more accessible to Qatar residents.
“Owing to the large distance between Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the absence of a direct airline, there were almost no food products from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Qatar markets. We have now created the prerequisite conditions for this situation to change. Cargo capacities of Qatar Airways are now available to our agricultural producers, and this is especially important for our various berries, meat, healthy and halal food producers,” Ambassador Sadovif1’e6 told Qatar Tribune in an interview.
f0″A major Bosnia and Herzegovina food producer has recently found a partner in Qatar which means that you will soon see products labelled with ‘Made in Bosnia and Herzegovina’ in Qatari markets.”
He said that aside from helping Bosnia and Herzegovina food products reach Qatar markets, the country’s national carrier Qatar Airways has also expressed a strong interest in promoting tourism of Bosnia and Herzegovina by having at least two flights each day.
“We are very happy to hear this. Qataris can enter our country without a visa. We estimate that they, together with other Qatari residents, have made up for about 20,000 overnight stays last year. Satisfied Qatari tourists are the best advertisement for our tourism sector. Of course, our tourism sector still has a way to go when it comes to promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina in this region, above all, with a more aggressive media campaign and by participating in tourism fairs. In addition to vacation homes, Qatari investors invested in the construction of hotels, tourism and sports facilities,” added Ambassador Sadovif1’e6.
According to the envoy, tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fast growing sector that records strong growth and excellent results every year. He said estimates show that tourism accounts for around three percent of Bosnia and Herzegovinaf0’s GDP.
“Last year, about 2.5 million overnight stays in Bosnia and Herzegovina were recorded. The number of tourists from the Gulf countries has increased significantly. Bosnia and Herzegovina has become their favourite destination. This is especially the case with Sarajevo that is often referred to as the ‘European Jerusalem’. However, tourists are also attracted to other places in Bosnia and Herzegovina for their natural beauty, cultural and historical heritage, hospitality of our people and excellent cuisine,” he added.
In the field of culture, Ambassador Sadovif1’e6 said Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been in the process of finalising the agreement between the two countries. He said, f0″We need to sign it as soon as possible and thus create the basis for a significant improvement in cooperation in the field of culture. Culture is the best way for our people to get to know each other and come together.”
“Sarajevo Film Festival and Doha Film Festival are cooperating very well. I also recall that the new Gazi Husrev-beg library was given as a gift by Qatar to Sarajevo. Very valuable books are being kept in that library. For this gift we sincerely thank the rulers and the people of Qatar,” the ambassador added.
Currently, there are about 750 Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens living and working in Qatar. Ambassador Sadovif1’e6 said the figures have almost doubled over the past three years and they are expecting the numbers to increase further.
f0″We estimate that this number will continue to grow as some of our companies have announced that they will get new jobs in Qatar. If Qatar liberalises the visa regime for our citizens, and we have positive signals that this will happen, the number of tourists and residents originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina will surely increase. Members of Bosnia and Herzegovina community are in a friendly environment here. It is their duty to be good representatives of their country,” the ambassador added.