The international business fair “Banja Luka EXPO 2026”, gathering more than 350 exhibitors from the region and around the world, officially opened on 13 May 2026 at the University Campus of the University of Banja Luka.

The fair was opened by the President of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Siniša Karan, PhD, who emphasized that the event represents an important opportunity for establishing cooperation, exchanging ideas, information and knowledge, and improving the overall business environment.

“The Fair will showcase the economic capacities of the Republic of Srpska, as well as those of countries across the region. The participation of a large number of companies demonstrates the importance of this business event,” Karan stated.

He stressed that the Republic of Srpska offers a business environment capable of promoting both knowledge and industry, adding that the goal is to create conditions for new investments and jobs.

“This is a place where conditions will be created for more investments and new jobs. A strong economy means a strong Republic of Srpska. The Republic and its institutions have the responsibility to create a favorable business climate for attracting foreign investments,” Karan said.

The Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, pointed out that “Banja Luka EXPO 2026” represents an important platform for connecting the academic community and industry, as well as for strengthening cooperation at both national and international levels.

He underlined that it is a great honor for such a major international fair to be held at the University Campus.

“It feels as though we are attending a fair in one of the major Western European cities. This is a great success for Banja Luka and for the University,” Gajanin said.

He added that events such as this enable direct links between science and industry, which is essential for the development of modern society and the creation of new development opportunities.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska, Nenad Stevandić, assessed that Banja Luka is becoming an important fair and exhibition center, positioning the Republic of Srpska on the global map of trade fairs.

He noted that “Banja Luka EXPO 2026” represents a meeting point for ideas, people, and new investment opportunities.

The Prime Minister of The Republic of Srpska, Savo Minić, stated that the Government is working to ensure continuity and stability for the economy of the Republic of Srpska, especially in light of challenges caused by conflicts in the Middle East.

“We are monitoring the situation regarding raw materials, energy supplies, and everything necessary for our economy to remain competitive and stable,” Minić said.

The Mayor of Banja Luka, Draško Stanivuković, emphasized that the fair is a place where good ideas and people come together, adding that the city has the capacity to host major international events.

“Banja Luka is proud to host an event of this kind and to demonstrate its potential to welcome exhibitors from the region and beyond,” Stanivuković said.

President of the Organizing Committee of the Third International Economy Fair, Slaviša Kovačević, said that the fair has become a traditional event.

Also addressing the audience was Dejan Šušović, Director of the Commercialization Sector of the EXPO 2027 project, who stressed that the specialized exhibition in Belgrade will represent a development opportunity for the entire region.

“EXPO 2027 is not only an event for Serbia and Belgrade, but also an opportunity for the region to show the world its knowledge, capabilities, and value,” Šušović stated.

The fair covers more than 15,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor exhibition space and brings together exhibitors from the construction industry, metal and electrical industries, IT sector, electronics, robotics, financial institutions, and many other fields.

In addition to the exhibition segment, the event also features scientific conferences, round tables, and presentations aimed at encouraging knowledge exchange and improving cooperation between industry and science.

The organizers of the fair are the companies “RS Consulting and Trade” and “Elite Fair”, in partnership with the EXPO 2027 project.

Photo: A. Vidaković