Source: Večernji list
BiH, as a country that is exceptionally productively connected with the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region, is committed to strengthening cooperation while raising standards, especially when we talk about transport connectivity with neighbors that will enable faster transport of people and goods, as well as through the protection and promotion of domestic production. It is precisely in this context that it should be noted that the regular General Assembly of the Forum of Chambers of Commerce of the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region will be held tomorrow in Split. The event is organized at the Croatian Chamber of Economy at 15:00, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Forum of Chambers of Commerce of the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region is represented by the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH and Prof. Dr. Sc. Marko Šantić as the first vice president of the Forum.
At the end of the Assembly, the signing of the Split Declaration on the preservation and promotion of the Mediterranean diet in the Adriatic-Ionian region – “Wellness, sustainability and culture” will take place by the presidents of the 3 forums – Forum AIC, Uni-Adrion and FAIC. This assembly is held as part of the 9th EUSAIR Forum, which is organized under the Croatian presidency of EUSAIR/AII, and which will be held on 15 and 16 May in Šibenik. During the EUSAIR Forum, together with the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, two round tables are organized – the first is the Preservation and promotion of the Mediterranean diet in the Adriatic-Ionian region, well-being, sustainability and culture, and the second concerns addressing transport challenges in the Adriatic-Ionian region. When talking about the first round table, it should be recalled that in 2010 UNESCO declared the Mediterranean diet intangible cultural heritage. Its concept is not limited only to a set of products and dietary habits, but has a much broader meaning: the Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle deeply oriented toward health and environmental sustainability and emphasizes its cultural and social roots. There is a strong need to promote and preserve the Mediterranean diet in the Adriatic-Ionian region by involving new generations, citizens and market participants in order to ensure that traditional food production and consumption patterns are not eroded by globalization.
This Round Table, organized by the Forum of Adriatic-Ionian Chambers of Commerce (Forum AIC) and Cities (FAIC), lays the foundations for an integrated and cooperative approach to promoting a sustainable food model that respects the environment and health, as stated in the Joint Declaration of the three civil society forums (Split Declaration). In the context of infrastructure connectivity, it was emphasized that transport and connectivity are key to economic development because they encourage better regional integration and improve relations among neighbors. The Adriatic-Ionian region faces critical transport challenges, which require urgent action to simplify the flow of goods across EU and Western Balkan border crossings. Slow cargo movement represents growing obstacles for businesses, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and improved coordination. Delays at border crossings not only hinder supply chains, but also pose security risks and undermine the overall efficiency of transport. The impact of such a situation has significant negative spillover effects not only on trade between the Union and the Western Balkans, but also affects trade between EU member states crossing the region in transit.
