BiH expert: BRI brings new hope for Bosnia and Herzegovina

In a recent interview with Mr. Boris Faruk, Director of the Center for Construction and Promotion of BRI in BiH and President of the BiH-China Friendship Association, Mr. Faruk praised the impactful role of BiH-Chinese cooperation in driving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development in recent years. He stated that BRI presents significant opportunities for developing countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Faruk highlighted the extensive collaboration between China and BiH in infrastructure over the past few years. Chinese enterprises have undertaken projects such as highways, railroads, hydroelectric power stations, and thermal power stations, addressing critical infrastructure needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The territory of BiH is mountainous, with few highways, and trains could only move at a very slow speed, which seriously affects the connectivity between BiH and neighboring countries as well as the country’s logistics. The improved connectivity resulting from Chinese-built highways enhanced efficiency in connecting Bosnia and Herzegovina with neighboring countries such as Serbia and Croatia, fostering better access to the transportation arteries in Southeast Europe. With numerous rivers traversing its territory and given the adjacency to the Adriatic Sea, BiH boasts abundant water resources. Upon the operation of the hydroelectric power plant constructed by Chinese companies, the country will efficiently harness its natural resources. Additionally, this initiative will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to earn a revenue from neighboring countries by selling electricity.

Faruk mentioned that Chinese companies are engaged in various livelihood projects in BiH, including urban rail transportation, hospitals, and sewage treatment facilities. Recently, the comprehensive renovation of the entire Sarajevo tram line was completed by Chinese companies. The tram is an iconic mode of transportation in the old city of Sarajevo, but substantial renovation had not been undertaken for decades. The completion of this renovation significantly enhanced the urban image of Sarajevo.

Faruk is confident in China’s globally acclaimed infrastructure-building capacity, noting the impressive technology demonstrated by Chinese companies in his country. He expressed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aspiration to further cooperate with China in green energy, specifically in areas like wind and solar energy, where Chinese companies are globally leading. BiH welcomes Chinese companies to invest and engage in the production of intermediate products in collaboration with local companies.

Faruk specifically highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government promptly supplied much-needed medical resources to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Later on, a substantial number of vaccines were also provided, aiding the country in overcoming challenging times. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deeply appreciate the care demonstrated by the Chinese government and its people, and they will never forget the invaluable assistance received from China.

In Faruk’s view, the collaboration between BiH and China under BRI has pushed the country’s economic growth into a new stage, fostering fresh hopes for development. He expressed wishes for the ongoing development of friendship between BiH and China, hoping that the cooperation between the two could continue to progress smoothly.