​Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining Petar Đokić spoke today in Banja Luka with the representatives of the Czech company Mavel on the possibilities of investing in energy projects in the Republic of Srpska.

„We are ready to discuss all projects of interest, such as the projects on the Bosna River and the Drina River, respecting all legal procedures and each individual project," said Minister Đokić.

Minister Đokić reminded of the importance of a systematic approach to water management which could be achieved through the implementation of energy projects, noting that the line ministry, as before, was ready to provide all investors with maximum support.

"Last year's flooding and the damage caused reminded of the importance of the implementation of the hydropower systems as it was envisaged by awarded concessions on the Bosna River. The implementation of these projects would solve an issue of integral development, protection and utilization of the hydro potential of the Bosna River between Doboj and Modriča," said Minister Đokić.

He also reminded that the resources of the Drina River were not used enough.

"At the last session of the governments of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, we have once again confirmed the readiness to develop this potential and implement projects for which there is a common interest, as is already specified for the middle course of the Drina River, but for the lower course where the implementation of four hydropower plants was planned," said Minister Đokić adding that the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Srpska is for the Power Utility of the Repubic of Srpska to be maximally involved in the implementation of new projects.

Director of the Czech company Mavel said that the company had successfully implemented projects of small hydropower plants in the Czech Republic, Poland and other countries, and that its business plans on the territory of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska were supported by the Government of the Czech Republic and the Czech Export Bank.

Mavel is one of the premier international engineering and manufacturing companies that provides hydro turbines for small hydroelectric power plants worldwide.