A guide for entrepreneurs

The City of Ljubuški, as an investment destination, boasts competitive gross salaries compared with other neighbouring countries (611 EUR in 2018). The labour market offers young and qualified labour force of technical, Average gross salary in 2018 (in EUR) expert and general profile (engineers, mechatronics technicians, agricultural and tourist technicians, medical technicians, economists, car mechanics, plumber, chefs and waiters).

The City of Ljubuški carries a tradition of agriculture (growing fruit, grapes, olives and beekeeping), processing industry (metal), civil engineering, services (hospitality and wholesale and retail). In terms of employment, the largest companies in the City of Ljubuški are from the sector of civil engineering and service, i.e., commercial activity.

Proof of keeping with the trends is that the students are studying for professions that are in demand on the market. Thirtyfour students have enrolled in 4-year studies for mechatronics technicians and have been approved enrolment in a fouryear study of woodworking and threeyear study of carpentry at the Middle Vocational School in Ljubuški.

In the City of Ljubuški the investors have at their disposal approximately 12,554 ha of arable land. Clean air, unpolluted soil and favourable climatic conditions of moderate Mediterranean climate are beneficial for investing in agricultural production and food sector. Especially important is the agricultural early potato produce (cultivated on 22 ha surface with expansion tendency) branded in the market as “Early Ljubuški Potato”. The investment in the second phase is currently ongoing which would provide the packaging and sorting facility and early potatoes cooling. This production is export oriented and business expectations are focused on increased export since in 2015 the EU opened its market for this BiH product.

Tourist Sector

The City of Ljubuški is in the vicinity of the Adriatic Sea, at the very entrance from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The wonderful landscape covered in low vegetation typical of karstic areas, mild Mediterranean climate, the River Trebižat, numerous natural wonders (the Kravica and Koćuša waterfalls, the Vrioštica and Kajtazovina springs), cultural heritage (Herceg Stjepan-Kosača fort, roman military camp Gračine, tombstone necropolis Dilić (UNESCO), Humac Museum), traditional food and cultural events make Ljubuški an attractive tourist destination ideal for nature, rural, cultural, fishing and religious tourism. Tourist centres such as Međugorje, Mostar, Dubrovnik and Split give it the possibility to further advance its transit and excursion tourism.

Potential investment projects include the advancement and the construction of accommodation and hospitality structures and various leisure and service facilities. The landscape and the biodiversity of the area portrayed in a high number of plant and animal species give an opportunity to further develop educational, tourist-leisure and service activities.

Logistics Sector

The central role in the logistics sector development belongs to the excellent geographical and traffic position of the Business Zone “Zvirići” and the vicinity of the port Ploče (15 km). The Business Zone “Zvirići” is located next to the European Corridor Vc (north-south) and the Adriatic-Ionic road (west-east). It is also close to the border crossings with Croatia: border crossing Bijača (which became one of two Schengen crossings in BiH when Croatia joined the EU) and border crossing “Crveni Grm”. The Port Ploče (capacity +60,000 TEU) is an excellent transport connection and a unique geostrategic position at the intersection of important industrial roads which makes it an indispensable link between the Adriatic, Mediterranean and Central Europe.

There are many opportunities for the development and realisation of investment projects in the logistics sector, especially in the construction of logistical-distributive centres in the Business Zone “Zvirići”, Ljubuški, and for investment in the project of intermodal hub that would consist of container and cargo terminals, storage spaces and logistics centre.

Agriculture and Food Sector

The City of Ljubuški has over 6,000 ha of arable land at disposal. Clean environment, unpolluted soil and good moderate Mediterranean climate are ideal for investing in agriculture and food sector.

Opportunity for greenfield investments in storage spaces for fruit and vegetables with a sorting and packaging line in the Business Zone “Zvirići”. Vegetables are mainly, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, onions, garlic and watermelon. There is an opportunity of investing in vineries (original sorts blatina and žilavka) and facilities for eco food production.

Entrepreneurship Sector

Business incubator of the West Herzegovina County – HIPod in the business zone “Zvirići” has all the necessary requirements for start-ups, micro and small companies. The users have access to co-working premises with 9 work posts (35.17m2), 7 office spaces for entrepreneurs-beginners; storage/production hall (75 m2); multifunctional hall (151.44 m2) and common and technical rooms.

Using co-working premises, establishing start-ups, location for innovative micro and small companies, especially related to high tech.