The Director of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FIPA), Marko Kubatlija, met with representatives of the U.S.A.based company Ciena, a global leader in optical networking headquartered in the State of Maryland, United States. Director Thomas Schmitz led the company’s delegation, and the meeting was also attended by Nada Begenešić, Director of Igmako Smart Solutions.

Ciena employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and operates in over 35 countries, developing advanced solutions for digital communication networks and infrastructure.

During the meeting, discussions focused on opportunities for investing and enhancing cooperation in the fields of modern telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Particular emphasis was put on the development of advanced networking solutions, including optical communication systems and digital transformation, as key drivers for strengthening the competitiveness of the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Opportunities for developing capacities in the field of artificial intelligence, establishing data centers, and further strengthening network systems were also discussed.

On this occasion, FIPA representatives presented the investment advantages of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting its strategic geographic location, skilled and competitive workforce, as well as incentives available to foreign investors.

The participants agreed that there is significant potential for cooperation, particularly in the context of modernizing the telecommunications network and strengthening the country’s digital capacities. They expressed readiness to continue communication and exchange concrete proposals that could lead to the implementation of investment projects in the coming period.

It was emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina has considerable potential for investments and development in the aforementioned sectors, particularly in terms of its regional positioning as a digital infrastructure hub. The need for a fast and coordinated institutional response at all levels of government was also highlighted, in order to capitalize on the opportunities brought by digital infrastructure development and to further accelerate the growth of the IT sector.

This visit represents another step toward strengthening international business cooperation and confirms the interest of renowned global companies in investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in sectors with strong long-term growth and innovation potential.