The 19th International Construction Exhibition “GRAMES 2015” and the 19th International Exhibition of Achievements in Electromechanical Industry and Innovations “DEMI 2015” was opened today, on 17th March 2015, by the Republic of Srpska Government Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Physical Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology, Srebrenka Golić. At the opening of this significant economic event the Republic of Srpska Government Deputy Prime Minister, Srebrenka Golić, said that the fact that this was the 19th time this event was taking place speaks a lot about its rating in the construction industry, and presence of the exhibitors from numerous countries serves as a proof that Srpska is an attractive region for investors.
She pointed out that 2014 was a year when the recovery in the construction industry started, but creating as favourable economic environment as possible is required for continuation of the trend of growth.
“There was a slight increase of 0.8 per cent recorded in the construction industry in the previous year, while the volume of works in the first nine months grew by 9.6 per cent in the civil engineering and 4.9 per cent in the building construction, and the number of building permits issued in Srpska in the third quarter was higher by 19.6 per cent, compared to the same period in 2013.", said Mrs Golić.
She pointed out that identical trend was recorded in the last quarter of the previous year, on the basis of which it can be said that this was the year of beginning the recovery in the construction industry.
“The recently adopted set of reform laws in the fiscal policy area will allow for more money intended for these investments to be left in the real sector, and solely for the category of reduction in contribution fees rates, the employers would save more than 53 million BAM, which is only the beginning of the process.", Madam Minister Golić stated.
According to her, the Ministry of Physical Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology of Republic of Srpska is continually in contact with builders in order to create the best conditions for domestic companies operating in this area.
"In this respect, we have changed certain legislation, thus shortening certain deadlines to enable obtaining building permits as quickly as possible, which is the first prerequisite for builders to work.", said Mrs Golić, and as one of the most important activities in this area she mentioned adoption of the Spatial Plan of Srpska in the National Assembly.
She announced a meeting with the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of Serbia, Mrs Zorana Mihajlović, and builders from that country and Republic of Srpska to be held at the end of this month, during which options for setting up joint consortiums that would compete at domestic and foreign markets would be considered.
"Intense work is underway to agree on mutual recognition of professional exams and licences for legal entities and individuals, which will facilitate not only joint appearance at third markets, but also the exchange of staff. We would be happy if builders from the region would also join this consortium." said Mrs Golić.
Speaking of projects that may present a good opportunity for construction industry, Madam Minister Golić specifically mentioned projects in the field of using energy generated from renewable sources and energy efficiency: "Opening the process of energy efficiency and providing support towards creation of conditions for policy dialogue is also a great opportunity for construction industry, because insulation in the existing and the new buildings, using waste to energy classification and changing technologies in the industry, are a possibility for engagement of our resources towards improvement of business in Srpska."
She reminded of the existing projects, such as Banja Luka-Doboj motorway construction, construction of hydroelectric power plants Dabar and Mrsovo, as well as completion of works on the thermoelectric power plant Stanari, and announced works on the new block of thermoelectric power plant Ugljevik and works in the flood protection area, which are all opportunities for business engagement of exhibitors at the exhibition.
There are over 120 exhibitors participating at the 19th International Construction Exhibition “GRAMES 2015” and the 19th International Exhibition of Achievements in Electromechanical Industry and Innovations “DEMI 2015” coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany and China.