Neum, June 28, 2024 - Local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina face numerous questions when it comes to engaging the diaspora. How to strengthen cooperation? How to attract new investments? How to improve communication with the diaspora and encourage knowledge transfer? What role can social media and other communication tools play in this process? These were some of the topics discussed at the event held from June 26 to 28 in Neum, where USAID's Diaspora Invest project gathered representatives from 30 partner local governments.
One of the main messages from the event is that the diaspora wants to continue being a catalyst for change, evidenced by the recent engagement of expatriate experts who formed an informal Business Advisory Council of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora. The Council comprises 21 individuals from 11 countries, aiming to promote positive stories from our country, create a network of collaborators, and attract investors.
Dobrila Boba Vukmanović, USAID project manager in BiH, reminded that the first phase of the Diaspora Invest project exceeded expectations in five years. "For us, it was a very innovative but risky venture because no donor had such a comprehensive project fully focused on the diaspora. In that first phase, we supported 164 companies connected to the diaspora. Most were new companies, with an average age of 11 months. We brought new capital into the country and started a great story. The lessons from the first project showed that people invest at the municipal level, which is why we launched the second project worth $15.7 million, whose results we already see through many activities, including today's gathering. We are focused on working with 30 local communities as bearers of development projects in their environments, where the diaspora plays a key role. The fact that we have representatives from 30 municipalities and cities today indicates a clear commitment in such a small country to make business strides and create a positive environment through the inclusion of the diaspora," Vukmanović stated.
Four applications for co-financing diaspora investments were approved in Mostar in just half a year, and according to Željka Dujmović from the city administration, the results are positively contributing to the city’s further development.
The municipality of Berkovići was the first to join the second phase of the Diaspora Invest project. Although it is a small local community, significant steps have been taken to improve conditions for potential diaspora investors. "The survey for networking the diaspora gives us hope that we have identified people willing to invest and help their hometown. I believe we will all leave here with ideas to improve our work and ways to attract new investors," emphasized Draško Džombeta from Berkovići.
Participants also heard experiences from Cazin, where a very successful and well-attended diaspora business forum was held at the end of last year, resulting in the exchange of experiences and the spread of positive energy on this topic. Such gatherings significantly contribute to the visibility of municipalities and cities, confirmed Džanan Serdarević from the Centar Sarajevo Municipality, stating that local communities in BiH have the knowledge but need to work more on becoming more visible to diaspora investors.
Local government representatives particularly praised the flexibility they gained in this project, and from Irish diaspora expert Martin Russell, they received useful advice on how to change public perception and include the diaspora in local development.
"When thinking about diaspora engagement, we mainly think about what they can do for us, what and how they can invest, without asking what we can do to attract them. The last thing we talk about is people, and people make decisions about returning, transferring ideas, experiences, and even investing," said Russell. He emphasized the need to start with three key questions for the diaspora: What can we do for you (what can we offer you)? If you were in our position, what would you do? and Do you know someone who would invest?
Armin Alijagić from the association Naša perspektiva spoke about best practices in organizing and promoting business events for the diaspora, materials created for these business forums, focusing on videos and investment brochures with long-term value. The second day was dedicated to communication on social media as a useful tool for effective diaspora engagement, as well as skills for presenting investment potential and offerings, while the third day focused on gender inclusion and efforts to network the diaspora.
The second community of practice network was an excellent opportunity for exchanging information, experiences, and challenges, creating valuable partnerships for future development.
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The U.S. Agency for International Development is leading the U.S. Government's efforts to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies. To date, the U.S. Government, primarily through USAID, has provided $2 billion in assistance to support economic, democratic and social progress in BiH.
For more information on USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina, please visit:
https://www.usaid.gov/bosnia-and-herzegovina