Driving the development of Central Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Every story has a beginning. This is ours.
2004.
- REZ Agency for Regional Development of Central Bosnia and Herzegovina established.
- The first Regional Development Strategy was developed.
2005.
- A network of business teams was established to support entrepreneurs.
- The region received an award. Financial Times – European Region of the Future.
2006.
- The first major EU development projects were launched.
- Wood processing cluster and CNC training established.
2007.
- The first study of industrial zones for 16 municipalities was developed.
- The Center of Excellence in Wood Processing was established.
- The Cisco Networking Academy was launched.
2008.
- Municipal development teams for business zones were established.
- The REZ Agency consulting network was certified.
- A comprehensive SME analysis in Zenica-Doboj Canton was conducted.
2009.
- The Regional Economic Development Strategy 2009–2015 was adopted.
- The region was included in IPA CBC cross-border cooperation programs.
- An agriculture development program for the Central Bosnia Canton area was developed.
- Activities were launched for the future technology park in Zenica.
2010.
- Innovation and technological development support programs were launched.
- The BestInvest investment portal was created.
- Business skills of food producers and processors were improved.
2011.
- An export and investment support project was implemented.
- A model of institutional support for start-up businesses was established.
- The socio-economic analysis of the Central Bosnia region was updated.
2012.
- 700+ people completed labor market training programs.
- International quality standards introduced in 30+ companies.
- Study on environmental technologies and renewable energy sources in BiH developed.
2013.
- Delibegov Han in Maglaj restored and tourism offer developed.
- REZ included in the international cluster network of the Adriatic region.
2014.
- BiH companies presented at international fairs.
- Business skills of 200+ regional food producers and processors developed.
2015.
- Alternative fuel waste processing project launched.
- Youth employment programs developed.
- Participation in BFC SEE certification program initiated.
2016.
- 700+ people employed through vocational training programs.
- Study on RDF production and use in Southeast Europe developed.
- Feasibility study for Adriatic-Ionian green technologies and new materials cluster developed.
2017.
- Vocational education projects and local employment partnerships launched.
- AgMENTOR agribusiness support project launched.
- Vocational education in the metal sector improved.
- Initiative for business services sector and SME support adopted.
2018.
- Established the Local Employment Partnership of Central Bosnia Canton.
- The BeeZone incubator was established in Travnik.
- A feasibility study titled “District Heating of the Pousorje Area (Municipalities of Tešanj, Usora and Doboj Jug) Using Renewable Energy Sources” was prepared.
2019.
- Pokrenuto 12 novih start-up biznisa u SBK.
- Implemented the Start-up ZDK programme, supporting 10 youth-led businesses.
- Launched a project aimed at improving the management of special categories of waste.
2020.
- Launched the tourism project “The Old Railway Trail”.
- Implemented workforce development programmes in Central Bosnia Canton.
2021.
- The BeeZone incubator was expanded.
- Twenty new start-up businesses were supported.
- The first BeeZone Ideas Fair was held.
2022.
- Supported 37 new and existing businesses through the Start-up ZDK programme.
- Continued the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Zenica-Doboj Canton.
2023.
- The Human Resources Development Strategy of Central Bosnia Canton 2023–2027 was prepared.
- More than 40 young people were employed or self-employed through the project “Cooperation for Better Competitiveness”.
2024.
- BeeZone Travnik and PINT Novi Travnik were modernized.
- Eighteen new businesses were launched with financial and mentoring support.
- Launched the “Development of IT Infrastructure in Zenica-Doboj Canton” programme.
2025.
- Successfully implemented the “LPZ SBK for Youth” project.
- Twenty-five persons with disabilities were employed through the SPRINT project.
- The ZENCODE IT Hub Zenica was opened and equipped.
- IT hubs were established in Zavidovići and Maglaj.
2026.
- An IT hub was established in Kakanj.
- The REZ IT/AI Academy was launched as a central platform for developing digital skills and coordinating IT hubs.
REZ Agency in Numbers
The Regional Development Agency for Central Bosnia Region (REZ Agency) was established with the aim of fostering economic development, improving competitiveness, and enhancing the standard of living in the region. Through projects, advisory services, and support to the business sector, REZ Agency plays a key role in connecting the public, private, and non-governmental sectors, contributing to the sustainable development of local communities.
Our mission is to provide professional and technical support to local authorities, businesses, and organizations in implementing development initiatives, using both local and international resources.
Over the years, REZ Agency has become a reliable partner in the implementation of development strategies, providing innovative solutions and support for economic progress.
Vision
Central Bosnia Region – a modern European region.
Mission
Improve the capacities of all stakeholders in efforts to enhance the economic performance of the Central Bosnia Region through support in the use of economic development funds and support for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, with the aim of strengthening the region’s competitiveness and ensuring the creation of new jobs.
Core Principles
The core operating principles of REZ Agency are reflected in services tailored to the real needs of development stakeholders in the Region, through the application of acquired knowledge and experience, cooperation with institutions and experts, the necessary synergy, and the implementation of best practices in the following areas:
- Strategic planning
- Strengthening the capacities of local stakeholders
- Strengthening the competitiveness of the region
- Human resources and employment
- Interregional cooperation
Region
The Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Central Bosnia Region is a naturally, climatically, geographically, and economically unique and coherent area comprising 16 mutually connected and integrated municipalities, covering a total area of 5,295.91 square kilometres. These municipalities are located in two cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH): Zenica-Doboj Canton and Central Bosnia Canton, taking the administrative aspect into account, while one municipality, Teslić, is located in Republika Srpska.
Općine regije su: Bugojno, Busovača, Doboj Jug, Donji Vakuf, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, Kakanj, Maglaj, Novi Travnik, Teslić, Tešanj, Travnik, Usora, Vitez, Zavidovići, Zenica and Žepče.
The driving force of development.
Behind every successful project stands a team of dedicated professionals. Our team consists of experts from various fields, guided by a vision of sustainable development and innovation. Together, we build bridges between ideas and implementation, connecting people, resources, and opportunities.
