In a joint effort to encourage job creation in Bosnia and Hercegovina, the governments of Republika Srpska and Norway started this project in 2005 (worth 1.3 million BAM). Ambassador Jan Braathu and Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik were present at the inauguration. They have both worked actively on this project, and devoted both time and attention to assure the best possible outcome. Read Ambassador Braathu's speech.
In charge of the organisation of the project is the Norwegian implementation group, Athene, led by Astrid Green. Athene will be responsible for the activities in the centre, as well as making business plans, marketing and human resources.
The centre will include an education center, a section for business development, as well as offices that will be employed for business start-ups. There is already considerable activity on-going in these premises. It is an auspicious beginning. Companies are already in place in the building. Between 20 and 25 persons are active in the building on a daily basis. In fact, we already now can see that the ICBL needs more space. The third floor is already filled to capacity. The training and conference premises are also in use, and at this stage the new beginning is looking very promising.
The project has already attracted a lot of interest, and it is expected that the centre will boost job creation and growth, not only in Banja Luka, but also in the entire country.