AHK Metal Summit gathers sector leaders in Sarajevo

The AHK Metal Summit took place on April 16, 2026, in Sarajevo, bringing together leading companies, experts, and decision-makers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader region to exchange knowledge and strengthen international business cooperation. At the opening of the event, Azra Ramić, Deputy Director of the Representative Office of German Industry and Commerce in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AHK BiH), underlined the significance of the gathering: "Today, Sarajevo stands at the center of the region’s metal industry. We have brought together key stakeholders in one place to openly discuss the opportunities and challenges of a sector that is rapidly evolving in a new reality".

Ramić also stressed the broader importance of such forums for the country’s economic competitiveness, noting that the Summit is held under the high patronage of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Such gatherings play a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina and strengthening their position in the European market", she added.

Industry representatives shared assessments of current operating conditions. Elvir Nuhić, owner of NUCAD d.o.o. Bugojno – a company that exports almost entirely to German and Austrian markets – acknowledged the difficulties while pointing to the value of established relationships: "The industry is currently facing serious challenges, primarily related to raw material supply and the organization of transport, while price volatility further complicates planning and operations. Nevertheless, we are successfully adapting thanks to the stable partnerships we have built in international markets".

Alfred Grannas, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted the depth of the bilateral economic relationship. He noted that around 500 German companies are currently operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, investing, employing people, and directing a significant share of their business toward exports. "Over the past 30 years, Germany has invested more than EUR 2,3 billion in Bosnia and Herzegovina through development cooperation, and this year alone we plan to initiate new negotiations worth approximately EUR 250 million for projects to be implemented over the next two years", Grannas said, adding that Germany will continue to invest and strengthen its economic partnership with the aim of further developing the country’s business environment.

The programme featured panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking sessions covering topics including the resilience and transformation of supply chains, energy efficiency as a driver of competitiveness, and the future of the automotive sector, alongside new opportunities for companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The metal sector: A pillar of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s export economy

Participating companies spoke of the strategic value of events like the Summit. Eldina Mehinović from Bofil, another company that exports almost entirely to the DACH market, explained: "Participating in the AHK Metal Summit represents an important opportunity for us to strengthen and establish international partnerships and to stay aligned with the latest industry trends, with a particular focus on sustainability and ESG principles. We remain committed to innovation, quality, and responsible, environmentally conscious business practices".

The metal sector is one of the most important pillars of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian economy and a key driver of the country’s exports, accounting for approximately 37% of total export value. In 2025, the metal and electrical industries together generated exports of around BAM 7,31 billion, underscoring their role as central engines of industrial development, employment, and the country’s integration into European value chains.