Core area “Sustainable economic development, training and employment” Increasing competitiveness, promoting local development

    Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role for the local economy as they create or preserve urgently needed jobs. In collaboration with the EU, the BMZ is fostering the competitiveness of these companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the export sector (timber and metal production), tourism and agriculture.

    Employee at the automotive supplier Veritas in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Among other things, wiring for Audi and VW is produced here.

    Employee at the automotive supplier Veritas in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Among other things, wiring for Audi and VW is produced here.

    Companies are assisted, for instance, in entering new business areas, digitalising operations and networking with other businesses. There is a particular focus on supporting women and young people. In cooperation with government authorities, the project is also helping to improve the economic policy environment for SMEs.

    A supplementary programme launched in 2021 aims to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs and reduce the social consequences such as loss of jobs, poverty and migration.

    Furthermore, on behalf of the BMZ, GIZ is advising small and medium-sized companies on their innovation strategies and concrete digital solutions for their businesses. Public administrative bodies are also receiving support for developing appropriate funding instruments.


    Technical and vocational education and training

    In order to counteract labour migration and the shortage of skilled workers, the BMZ is supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in establishing dual vocational training programmes (school-based and industry-based) in collaboration with the private sector.

    The country’s technical and vocational education and training system is outdated and inefficient, and suffers from a lack of cooperation on the part of the government authorities involved. In collaboration with the education ministries and vocational training councils of the country’s autonomous regions (“entities”), cantons and municipalities, and with school authorities, vocational schools, chambers of commerce, associations and businesses, six pilot programmes have been launched introducing dual technical and vocational education and training.

    This includes defining vocational standards, incorporating the current demands of the job market into curricula, developing new teaching and learning materials, formulating binding regulations for practical training in schools and businesses, and creating advertising material for vocational education and training.

    As at: 07/06/2022