Herzegovina plans easier investment for Croatian diaspora to boost jobs and encourage return

Ljubuški (Photo credit: MaGa/CC BY-SA 3.0)

MOSTAR, 30 July 2026 (Hina) – Authorities in West Herzegovina Canton have announced plans to make it easier for members of the Croatian diaspora to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of creating new jobs, encouraging people to return and helping address long term demographic challenges.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the “Strength of Connection” gathering of the Network of Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina, held in Ljubuški in cooperation with the Croatian Heritage Foundation.

West Herzegovina Canton Prime Minister Predrag Čović said the regional government would work to simplify investment procedures for entrepreneurs from the diaspora interested in launching businesses in their homeland.

“Entrepreneurs need simple solutions,” Čović said, adding that the canton would do everything within its authority to reduce administrative barriers and make it easier for investors to turn business plans into reality.

He stressed that public institutions should act as partners to entrepreneurs, particularly those from the diaspora who want to invest their capital, knowledge and business experience in the communities where they have their roots.

Speakers at the event said such investments are important not only for economic growth but also for creating employment opportunities that could encourage young people to stay while giving those who have moved abroad a reason to return.

Businesswoman Snježana Köpruner, owner of export oriented companies in Travnik and Prozor Rama, said many people currently living in Croatia and other European countries would consider returning to Bosnia and Herzegovina if attractive job opportunities were available.

“I believe many of them could return. Our role as employers is to create those jobs and give them the opportunity to come back,” Köpruner said.

The event brought together representatives of the Croatian diaspora, business leaders, experts, local and cantonal authorities, public institutions and community organisations.

The programme included discussions on investment opportunities, business networking, demographic trends, return migration and the development potential of local communities.