The Association of Employers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (UP FBiH), the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina (VTK BiH) and the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH called on domestic logistics companies to immediately end the blockade of border crossings.
As they announced, they understand the problems of those companies because they represent the problems of all Bosnia and Herzegovina. businessmen in cross-border business. They noted that for almost two years they have been continuously warning about difficulties in cross-border business, especially in connection with the stay of drivers and workers in the Schengen zone.
“Unfortunately, despite numerous initiatives and appeals, this issue has not been systematically resolved to date,” they added.
As they pointed out, it is clear that the current traffic blockades are causing the most damage to the domestic economy and businessmen. Although at this moment, they pointed out, it is not possible to accurately estimate the total losses, according to the information they receive from their members, it is about millions of dollars, which the vulnerable economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina can hardly bear.
They warned that blockades create a serious risk of disruption of supply chains, which inevitably leads to higher prices of goods. As assessed by UP FBiH, VTK BiH and the Chamber of Commerce of FBiH, there is already room for starting commercial disputes due to the damage that occurred, and if the blockades continue, the extent of that damage will be significantly greater.
They reminded that all these consequences ultimately fall on businessmen and citizens.
“January is the beginning of the business year, the time for the implementation of plans and contractual obligations, and we call for the suspension of blockades, the return to regular economic flows, and at the same time for stronger and coordinated pressure on the competent institutions in order to finally and permanently resolve this issue”, they stressed.
In this sense, they add, they turn to the Logistics Consortium of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the organizer of the protest, the competent institutions, representatives of the European Union institutions and all other relevant actors so that the legitimate rights of carriers and businessmen are finally and systematically regulated.
They also noted that the problem is not between businessmen and transporters. However, it is obvious that, they stated, the focus of responsibility has been shifted to them, which further deepens the damage and division within the business community.
They called on all actors to take responsibility, understand and find, as they said, practical solutions in the existing circumstances.
“We emphasize once again that we fully understand the gravity of the situation that carriers are in. We are all part of the same economy and face the same challenges. The damage due to further blockades will not be compensated for anyone, which is why at this moment it is crucial to turn to dialogue, solidarity and joint action in order to reduce risks and preserve the stability of economic flows,” said UP FBiH, VTK BiH and the FBiH Chamber of Commerce.
The blockade of the border crossings of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in its third day, and the border crossings of Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia are also blocked.
The truckers of these countries are dissatisfied with the working conditions in Schengen. Primarily, they insist that truck drivers are no longer subject to the limit of staying in Schengen up to 90 days in 180 days, writes Klix.
