One of the most important factors for the economic progress of any country is the competitiveness of its products in foreign markets. However, it is equally important to develop awareness among citizens about the importance of buying domestic products.
BiH, as a country rich in natural resources and domestic brands in various sectors, has enormous potential to become more competitive on the global stage. It is especially important for domestic products to gain more space in the market, because not only do we contribute to the economy, but we also strengthen our national industry. Therefore, the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH began implementing an idea this year through the project called “Ja BiH naše”, through which the visibility of domestic products will be increased and they will receive special visual labels “Bh. kvaliteta” and “Izvorno domaće”, which will make it easier for them to reach the shelves of shopping centers. In cooperation with the Government of the Federation of BiH and the Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts, the Chamber launched this project, to which nearly 60 companies applied.
In order to achieve this goal, it is important to work on raising awareness among citizens, but especially among future generations within the school system. That is why we are sharing the positive example of students from the Secondary Technical School Bugojno, who are implementing the initiative through the “Young Economists” section “Find, buy and support domestic”, which is an exceptional example of youth engagement in promoting domestic production.
The “Young Economists” section organizes numerous activities aimed at educating students and citizens about the importance of buying products made in BiH. The project is focused on showing that by buying domestic products, not only is domestic production supported, but the economic stability and development of the country are directly strengthened. Through this initiative, students send a clear message: “products that do not have a complete production cycle within the borders of BiH often contribute to the development of other countries’ economies, not ours.”
The “Young Economists” actively cooperate with 21 domestic companies that successfully operate and export their products, meeting all the necessary criteria for foreign markets and thus being available on shelves in BiH as well. With the support of the companies, the students organized a mini workshop and presentation of BiH brands within the school, and then set up an exhibition stand in Bugojno where they distributed promotional packages with BiH products. This practical approach enabled citizens to become better acquainted with the quality of domestic products and understand their importance for the local economy.
One of the key activities also includes visits by students to domestic companies that export their products. During the year, students have the opportunity to visit companies that meet high production standards and whose products are present on the shelves of BiH stores. In this way, young people become directly familiar with business processes, which contributes to strengthening their business literacy and responsibility towards the economy of their country.
This project is a true example of how educational activities and youth engagement can contribute to building stronger economic awareness in society.
What we have always emphasized as the Chamber of Economy of the Federation of BiH is that the promotion of domestic products is not just marketing, but a long-term strategy that strengthens the local economy, reduces unemployment and contributes to the sustainable development of the country, and we call on companies to support the initiatives of schools and students, which with their project not only shape their future careers, but also positively influence their community and the entire BiH economic system.
For more about the initiative of the Secondary Technical School Bugojno, watch the video: https://youtu.be/tNiPtM1ABNs?si=PRlfWJApU1Q-k8_h
