Israel opens first Chamber of Commerce office in Republika Srpska, Bosnia

SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 21:42BANJA LUKA, Republika Srpska – A new representative office of the Israel Chamber of Commerce was inaugurated in Banja Luka on Thursday night, marking a significant expansion of economic ties between Israel and Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli attended the opening alongside outgoing non-resident Israeli Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Galit Peleg, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, Zeljka Cvijanovic, who represents the Serb faction of the Bosnian presidency, and senior Republika Srpska officials. The move comes as Israel and the Serb-majority entity seek to turn increasingly close political relations into greater cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.Speaking exclusively to The Jerusalem Post shortly before the ceremony, Dodik said Republika Srpska wanted to raise its relationship with Israel “to the highest possible level,” with the new office intended to provide a permanent point of contact between Israeli and local businesses.“We maintain a high degree of understanding and support for Israel and, of course, for the Jewish people as a whole,” Dodik said. “We wholeheartedly want to raise those relations to the highest possible level.”The office, he said, would facilitate contacts not only in business, but also in culture, education, and other areas, creating “a new dynamic” between Israel and Republika Srpska.Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli attends the opening of the Israeli Chamber of Commerce in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, Bosnia & Herzegovina, last Thursday, in the latest move to grow ties between Israel and the Serb political entity. (credit: ALEX WINSTON)Israeli technology expertise to be shared alongside Republika Srpska's opportunities close to EU marketDodik said that Israeli technology and expertise could be particularly valuable to the region, while Republika Srpska could offer Israeli companies opportunities close to the European Union market.“We intend to organize expert groups that will come here and, based on Israel’s experience, propose to us how we can organize various sectors,” he told the Post. “We want people in Israel to understand that they are welcome here and that they will be protected here – not only personally, but their businesses as well.”He added that the chamber would seek to organize visits by business delegations in both directions.Dodik also revealed that the proposal to establish the office had come from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting in Jerusalem earlier this year.“This was primarily [Netanyahu’s] idea,” Dodik said. “For Israel, perhaps it is a small step, but for us, it is one of the most important things that has happened to us in the last decade.”At Thursday night’s ceremony, Chikli said the office should serve as a practical mechanism for developing business rather than simply as another symbol of the close relationship.“This chamber must not be merely ceremonial – it must work,” Chikli said. “It must become a permanent address for Israeli companies looking for opportunities in Republika Srpska and in the wider region, and it must be a permanent address for companies here that want to enter the Israeli market, find Israeli partners, and gain access to Israeli technology and expertise.”“We are not opening another office; we are opening a door,” he added. “A door for investment, for innovation, for partnership – a door between our people.”Chikli called for Israeli business delegations to visit Banja Luka and for local business leaders to travel to Israel, saying he wanted companies from both sides to move beyond discussions and begin identifying projects and signing agreements.“Israel is determined to strengthen its relationship with its friends, with those who share our values and who are prepared to build the future together,” he said. “And we believe friendship should produce real results.”He described the Republika Srpska leadership as “true friends of Israel and the Jewish people,” saying the opening provided an opportunity to “turn our friendship into action.”Peleg, who is concluding her term as Israel’s non-resident ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, described the inauguration as a fitting conclusion to her posting and recalled the support Israel received in Republika Srpska following the October 7 massacre.Peleg said that, when the embassy sought to hold a commemoration for the victims in October 2024, it was unable to find a venue in Sarajevo willing to host the event. Republika Srpska officials instead offered a theater in East Sarajevo, where the commemoration was ultimately held.“From that moment, we knew that we could commemorate our loved ones and get all the respect,” Peleg said.She said the opening of the chamber was “not only a symbol of our relations,” but a practical step whose work was only beginning. She expressed hope that it would attract investors, entrepreneurs, and businesses from both sides.Herzog sends message welcoming inaugurationPeleg also delivered a message from President Isaac Herzog, who welcomed the inauguration.“The opening of this office gives practical expression to the friendship that has grown steadily over many years,” Herzog said in the message. “It will provide a permanent platform for expanding cooperation, bringing business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors together, and translating goodwill into mutually beneficial partnership.”Herzog highlighted advanced industry and manufacturing, agriculture, water management, and health as areas with potential for cooperation, adding that greater exchanges among entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and experts could further strengthen relations.The president said that the Banja Luka office could ultimately serve as a bridge extending beyond Republika Srpska, acting as a catalyst for strengthening Israeli ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Balkans, and the wider region.Follow us on Google