"Energy is one of the main topics of public debate, and besides efficiency, the diversification of energy sources, not only according to certain types of energy sources, but also according to their geographical area, is becoming a key issue everywhere in Europe.

Energy issues are being paid great attention in the Slovak Republic, and one of our priorities in this area is support to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, energy investors in their efforts to succeed in the markets of other countries. As part of our economic diplomacy, we also endeavor to support the business and investment goals of our companies, which are already active in some countries in the energy sector. In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has been included in the so-called "project countries of the Official Development Assistance of the Slovak Republic (SlovakAid), business intentions are in synergy with our long-term strategic development goals that include the support of the transfer of knowledge and modern technology, and the transformational / reform efforts of the country, and as the final result of the integration ambition of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU. In this regard, I would like to point out that since 2005, Slovakia has supported a total of 95 micro-grants in the amount of 400 thousand euros, 15 small development projects with 2.3 million euros and sent 9 shipment of humanitarian or other assistance to remove the consequences caused by natural and technical catastrophes in the amount of approx. 100 thousand euros. Regarding the presence of Slovak investments, the most significant was the purchase of Celex in Banja Luka by the Slovakian SHP Group in 2001. This successful investment is worth more than 30 million euros, and with its approx. 300 employees, one of the important employers in the region.

Two Slovakian companies are currently active in the energy sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the first being Credo Agency d.o.o., which is engaged in the construction of small hydropower plants. The construction of one power plant was completed in the summer of 2018, with a power of 250 kW, and for another 1 MW, the company has a concession and plans to build another 4-5 power plants. Firma EN-MAR d.o.o. implemented the project of modernizing the heating system of the Elementary School "Saburina" (in Sarajevo) using the modern technology ECO PACKET INFRA, which includes special infra-pens with electrical power supply via the DALYN electrothermal converter. So, in both cases, these are companies that offer solutions for the production or use of electricity. We recall that it is a modern technology based on an energy medium that is available almost everywhere. In the future, in all countries, a combination of energy production will be generated for the production of electricity from several primary sources, mostly renewable. It is also very important that with its consumption electricity does not generate any local pollution. Therefore, the production of electricity from renewable sources or the use of electricity offered by Slovak companies can significantly contribute to the decarbonization and improvement of the environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ENERGA is one of the most important trade fairs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering good opportunities for establishing contacts, concluding agreements between Slovak and business partners. Also important for us is the fact that this year's ENERGA and the accompanying conference focus on the retail electricity market and investment opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in this segment. In the end, but not less important motive for taking part in this fair with the Slovakian stand is the presence of our companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Therefore, from the participation in the event, we expect primarily the visibility of Slovakia and Slovak companies that will have the opportunity to present their products / services, and we also hope that our exhibitors will establish business contacts and make successful B2B meetings with companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ambition of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic is in this way to draw attention of our companies and the professional public and the possibilities offered by the energy sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina "- added the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to BiH, HE Mr. Martin Kačo.