During today's visit to Bijeljina and talks with Mayor Mićo Mićić, French Ambassador to BiH, Claire Bodonyi said the dynamic development, proactive management, natural resources and favorable geographical position are the great advantages that could attract the French investors in the City of Bijeljina, especially those who want to invest in agriculture, tourism and environmental protection. Besides the talks with reference to opportunities for economic cooperation with France, it was also discussed on the role of local communities and Association of local authorities of Republic of Srpska in the accession process of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union.

Mayor Mićić informed the Ambassador about the most important projects in the areas of environmental protection, economic resources, primarily agriculture and tourism, as well as the potential of renewable energy sources:

- These areas are closely linked, considering that a development in one area allows the development of all the others. The Ambassador was presented with the plans for development of Dvorovi Spa, as well as large construction projects, construction of plant for collection and wastewater treatment and solid waste management:

- I believe that French investors will recognize the opportunity and opt to invest in our City, Mayor Mićić expressed his expectation.

The Mayor of Bijeljina, who is also the President of the Association of local authorities of Republic of Srpska, said that the local authorities in Republic of Srpska are ready to assume the responsibility for their role in the process of accession to the European Union, considering that about 70 percent of regulations harmonization and adjusting to EU standards must be made at the local level. In order to implement this properly, the French Ambassador offered that French experts hold the presentations to mayors on the necessary adjustments in the areas of agriculture and local governance.