Sun Media, Singapore, virtually meets with the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss the potential for strengthening economic ties with Singapore, focusing on education, tourism, and trade while reflecting on Bosnia’s post-war recovery and future ambitions.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Singapore, though geographically distant and culturally diverse, share untapped potential for economic cooperation and growth. While political relations between the two countries are solid, there is significant room to strengthen their economic ties. In a recent interview with the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Armin Limo, we explored the future of economic collaboration, with a focus on education, tourism, and trade. The Ambassador shared candid insights into his country’s post-war recovery, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities that lie ahead for both nations.
Political relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Singapore are excellent. However, as the Ambassador emphasized, economic relations have not yet reached their full potential. “Unfortunately, our economic relations are not as strong as our political ones,” he noted, setting the tone for his mission over the next two years, during which he aims to foster more robust economic collaboration, particularly in sectors like education and tourism.
One of the key areas of opportunity the Ambassador highlighted is education. Singapore’s world-class training programs, particularly in fields such as maritime, aviation, information technology (IT), and economics, present a promising avenue for collaboration. “Our students could greatly benefit from pursuing master’s degrees or professional training in Singapore,” he stated. Singapore’s universities, especially the National University of Singapore (NUS), are already well-regarded for their expertise in various disciplines. Establishing educational partnerships would not only enhance the skillsets of Bosnian students but also open doors for further bilateral engagement.
Tourism, another area of focus, has seen substantial growth in Bosnia over the last decade. “Our capital city was recently voted by National Geographic readers as the best city to visit in 2025,” the Ambassador shared proudly. Bosnia’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and increasing global visibility make it a promising destination for Singaporean tourists. Moreover, with no visa regime between the two countries, travel is straightforward, and the tourism sector holds vast growth potential.
Interestingly, Bosnia has become increasingly popular among tourists from Gulf countries, with a significant rise in the number of Saudi tourists visiting the country in recent years. This trend speaks to Bosnia’s untapped appeal as a tourism destination, a message the Ambassador hopes to extend to Singapore. “Many people still associate our country with the war from 30 years ago, but we are working hard to change that image,” he said. Bosnia’s tourism potential could be a significant contributor to boosting economic ties between the two nations.
When discussing trade, the Ambassador acknowledged the relatively modest trade figures between the two countries. Bosnia’s exports to Singapore stand at approximately €2.8 million, while Singapore’s exports to Bosnia are around €6.9 million. Though these numbers are still small, the Ambassador sees room for growth. He highlighted products like sugar, mineral oils, electrical machinery, and chemicals as key exports from Singapore to Bosnia, while Bosnia exports mostly metal products and food items to Singapore. With improved trade logistics, such as utilizing Croatian ports for shipping goods, the Ambassador believes that trade relations can be expanded.
The conversation also turned toward Bosnia’s recovery from the war, which ended nearly three decades ago. The Ambassador reflected on the profound impact the war had on the country’s population and economy. “We lost almost 900,000 people during the conflict, and many of those who fled the country never returned,” he said. Today, Bosnia faces a new challenge: brain drain, as many of its educated citizens seek better opportunities abroad. Despite these hardships, the Ambassador emphasized that Bosnia is resilient and focused on rebuilding its economy and society.
Looking to the future, Bosnia’s primary foreign policy goal is to join the European Union (EU). The country is now an official candidate for EU membership, but as the Ambassador explained, it’s a long and complex process. “Many laws still need to be aligned with EU standards, but we have crossed the first major obstacle by becoming a candidate,” he said. He is confident that EU membership will open up even greater opportunities for economic development and strengthen Bosnia’s position on the global stage.
In closing, the Ambassador expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration between Bosnia and Singapore. “There are many opportunities for both countries, especially in education, tourism, and investment,” he said. As the relationship between the two nations continues to evolve, the Ambassador remains committed to fostering stronger economic ties and promoting the wealth of opportunities that Bosnia offers.
Image Source: MFA
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters
