CONNECTO 2024 in Mostar – the conference connecting local entrepreneurs and the diaspora has started

Today, at the Europa Hall of INTERA Technology Park, CONNECTO 2024 commenced not just as a conference but as an event that annually reaffirms its role in strengthening the connections between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its diaspora. This year’s event, organized by INTERA Technology Park with support from GIZ, the European Union, and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), gathered over 280 business professionals from 29 countries across the region, Europe, and the world.

The goal of the CONNECTO conference remains unchanged over the years – to build bridges between the potential of the Bosnian diaspora and business people from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It aims to encourage development through joint investments, knowledge sharing, and opening new opportunities for collaboration in challenging global markets. This initiative is focused on creating opportunities that will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a significant player on the international economic stage.

“It is very important that you be part of creating our shared space, our Bosnia and Herzegovina. That’s the only way we can succeed. This concept of having two days of B2B meetings is fantastic. One-on-one – you will surely find investment opportunities here in the city of Mostar. At the conference, you will find the partners you are looking for and make additional strides in your companies,” stated Mario Kordić, Mayor of Mostar.

Mostar has once again confirmed its role as a key location for connecting local entrepreneurs with the potential of the diaspora at the conference, which was ceremoniously opened by Mayor Mario Kordić and Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Encourage digital transformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina by accessing EU funds. Take advantage of the opportunity to draw funds from the Digital Europe program, join joint efforts from the private, public, and educational sectors in creating consortia for your project development. Contact our support office for advice to ensure your projects have the chance to be realized with EU funds. International consultants are also available to further refine your proposals. Don’t miss the chance for progress in digitalization, connectivity, and innovation in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” urged Edin Forto.

This year’s program is rich with inspirational speeches and panel discussions, with a standout talk by Petar Pere Desnica, founder of Ruff Cycles, who shared his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship through his successful story of producing luxury electric bicycles. His success story and how a lifestyle brand can be built from Travnik, the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on local resources and a global approach, inspired attendees: “Bicycles have been my great love since early childhood and have accompanied me throughout my life. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, I found a well-educated and motivated team with whom I can do new business and who helps me achieve strategic plans.” Ruff Cycles, a globally recognized brand, produces its own aluminum and metal frames, and Desnica shared his inspiring story of developing this exceptional project and offered advice: “Firstly, I always follow freedom; I’ve had good results with that strategy. Secondly, as my grandmother would say, every failure pushes me forward and gives me courage for new projects, and thirdly, every good entrepreneur emerges from their mistakes and those make them better.”

Networking in Action

An integral part of CONNECTO is the B2B meetings, which provide opportunities for direct communication between local and diaspora entrepreneurs, fostering concrete partnerships and projects. These meetings, running until June 27, have already resulted in promising agreements and new business opportunities.

“Our people in the diaspora are often successful entrepreneurs, and our goal is for them to recognize that investing in local existing or new companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina is worthwhile and can yield additional income. Furthermore, they are ideal sales representatives as they can more easily place products on foreign markets. We need to create conditions to bring people back from the diaspora, and we have the potential and can,” said Vedran Šimunović, Director of INTERA Technology Park. He expressed special thanks to the sponsors and partners supporting the CONNECTO 2024 conference.

Living CONNECTO

Today, more than ever, CONNECTO demonstrates how emotions and connections are not only the key to success on a personal level but also a powerful tool in transforming the entire community. As one participant highlighted: “CONNECTO is not just a conference; it is a movement that teaches us that big dreams become reality when the hearts and minds of business people unite.”

The organizers of CONNECTO 2024 are INTERA TP, GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) through the BOOST Project, co-financed by the European Union and the German Government through the EU4DigitalSME project, as well as the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).

25. 6. 2024.