“Zivinice Open 2024” Forum, organized by Zivinice Municipality, one of the members of Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB) Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing together business, economy, energy, culture, arts, entertainment, gastronomy and tourism events, was held on 2-6 August 2024 in Tuzla Canton region.
The Opening Ceremony of the Forum was attended by Irfan Halilagić, Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton, Sadık Babür Girgin, Ambassador of Turkey to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Muamer Zukić, Member of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Began Muhić, Mayor of Zivinice, Şekib Avdagiç, President of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) from Turkey, Secretary General of Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB) Fahri Solak, DEIK Bosnia and Herzegovina Business Council members Hasan Topaloğlu, Muzaffer Çilek and around 300 businessmen from more than 10 countries including Turkey, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, France, USA, Montenegro and Serbia attended the event.
In his opening speech, Irfan Halilagić, Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton, said that the aim of the first edition of “Živinice Open 2024” is to present the city of Živinice as an open environment for cooperation and networking of local and foreign economic sectors, emphasizing the potential of the Bosnian diaspora and the creation of a more promising future in Bosnia and Herzegovina: “We must recognize that this is the right place, the right city that should host such gatherings. The emergence of this festival is the result of the vision and actions of Mayor Muhić, who used his acquaintances, diplomatic work and contacts to bring us all together in this place, for which I sincerely congratulate him. I believe that this event goes beyond the local and cantonal framework and can become something recognizable and important for the entire state of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming years.”
Mayor Began Muhić emphasized that this forum is an important step forward for the City of Živinice, its region, but also for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Over the years, this city has witnessed countless changes and achievements. Our traditions and work ethic have shaped us and provided a solid foundation for the development we see today. Today, Živinice is an example of a modern city where old business models and innovations merge into a harmonious whole. We see Živinice as a city with big goals and visions for the future. We believe in the future that will bring new growth and prosperity to our city and our only homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
On August 2, 2024, on the occasion of the Forum, the Turkish delegation also visited the Historical Mosque in Priluk (built in 1735), where the Municipality of Živinice plans to start restoration works in the near future. Fahri Solak, Secretary General of Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB) said: “This is not the first time I have heard about this mosque. Mayor Began Muhic had mentioned it before. Hearing about the mosque and being here are not the same thing. It is a pleasure for us to be in this 300 years old mosque. We will meet with Mayor Muhic and try to contribute to the restoration as much as we can.”
Within the framework of the Forum, many activities such as panels, sessions, business meetings and concerts were organized.
