Ambassador of the Republic of Italy visited CBBH

Today on 11 December 2024, Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBBH), Jasmina Selimović, Ph.D. received, in an official visit, the ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Sarah Eti Castellani. During this friendly meeting, Governor Selimović presented the current macroeconomic indicators for BH and exchanged information about the latest trends in the country's financial sector, as well as opportunities for its improvement.

The Governor pointed out that the CBBH, within its mandate, continuously works to preserve monetary stability and improve the financial sector, which has great importance for all stakeholders in the market.

Special attention has been paid to the cooperation between the CBBH and the Banca d'Italia, which has proved extremely fruitful over the years. This cooperation includes the exchange of expert knowledge, support in the development of key areas of the financial sector and joint work on initiatives related to European integration. Governor Selimović pointed out that the CBBH highly appreciates the Bank of Italy's contribution through education and training programs, which significantly contribute to the Bank capacities building.

The meeting addressed the ways of implementing innovative payment systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the establishment of modern infrastructure such as the system for instant payments in convertible marks (BAM), harmonized with European Union standards. Banca d'Italia provides active support to the CBBH on this path.

The special importance for the CBBH has the IPA Program for strengthening the capacities of the Western Balkans' Central Banks, with the aim of their integration into the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), led by the Deutsche Bundesbank, with the participation of 19 national/central banks of the ESCB and the ECB. One of the partner national banks is Banca d'Italia. The purpose of the Program is to strengthen monetary and financial stability in the region, through further strengthening of the institutional capacities of six Central Banks of the Western Balkans and the Banking Agencies in BH, as well as strengthening the dialogue between central banks, on two levels - regional and EU level.

Ambassador Castellani praised the CBBH's efforts to preserve monetary stability, and supported the institution's activities, especially those it is implementing on the path to European integration.