- Russia is increasing imports of agricultural products from B&H and Bijeljina, as an important agricultural centre, may have an important position within this process. This already has been under discussion in Banja Luka and Sarajevo, but we wanted on the spot - in Bijeljina, to see agricultural potential of Semberija Region, stated the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Petr Ivantsev during visit to Bijeljina and talks with Mayor of Bijeljina Mićo Mićić.

He added that the Russian side was interested in cooperation in the field of tourism, and that he was able to get acquainted with the natural beauty of the region and the potential for health tourism:

- We are looking forward to furher contacts in these fields, both through the Embassy of Russia as well as through entrepreneurs or by the chambers of commerce of the two countries, Ivancov expressed his expectation.

Mayor Mićić noted that the interest of Russian businessmen for the cooperation in agricultural and tourism sectors was the chance that shouldn't be missed by the local economy. He added:

- We have a long agricultural tradition, while our tourist offer is getting more broader and diverse. The next step will be made at the beginning of next year, when the Russian veterinary experts will visit B&H and Bijeljina. Then it will be discussed in detail on opportunities to export food to Russia, mayor Mićić announced.