About CORE Partnership

BFC SEE Network towards CORE Partnership

The Regional Network for a Favorable Business Environment in South-East Europe (BFC SEE Network) represents a unique platform for improvement of competitiveness and harmonizing business conditions in the region through the implementation of the BFC SEE program, which is internationally recognized as an indicator of efficient local administration and a favorable investment climate in Southeastern Europe and was established in 2012.

Following the years 2016 and 2022, with the expansion of the BFC SEE Network and the inclusion of new partner institutions, preconditions were created for its transformation into the Partnership for a Competitive Region (CORE Partnership) - a mechanism that enables regional cooperation and the exchange of knowledge about the implementation of reform processes in order to improve business conditions, accelerate economic growth and promote the process of European integrations. By creating partnerships between economic development stakeholders, it fosters the exchange of good, practical solutions in improving the business environment, innovation, green and digital transformation, and brings closer the policies, best practices and instruments implemented by the EU to support the progress and competitiveness of the WB6 economies.

Today, CORE Partnership, led by its eight founding organizations, facilitates regional cooperation and exchange among public institutions, local self-governments, businesses, academia and civil society in Western Balkans and Croatia, on topics such as improving conditions for doing business, green transformation and socially responsible private sector, local economic development and good governance, promotion of European integrations. 

Agreement on establishing the CORE Partnership was signed by the following organizations (regular members):

• The National Alliance for Local Economic Development / NALED, Belgrade
• Chamber of Economy Montenegro, Podgorica
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka
• Association for Economic Development / REDAH, Mostar
• Institute for Development Research / RIINVEST, Prishtina
• Association of Local Autonomy of Albania / ALAA, Tirana
• Center for local economic development LLC Economic University of Rijeka / CLER, Rijeka
• Center for Research and Policy Making / CRPM, Skopje.

The Parties declare their intention, through CORE Partnership, to contribute to the achievement of the following objectives in the Region:

• improvement of the business environment, including digitalization and simplification of administrative procedures
• electronic accessibility and increased transparency of public administration
• improvement of legal certainty and predictability of business operations
• establishment of a harmonized legal framework and economic policies across the region
• dynamic local economic development and balanced regional development
• introduction of sustainable business practices and green transformation of the economy
• free movement of capital, goods, and services
• improvement of the labor market.

CORE Partnership Vision

A harmonized business environment between the Western Balkan economies and EU Member States, based on exchange of best practices, contributing to enhanced competitiveness, sustainable economic growth, and the advancement of European integration across the region, to the benefit of all citizens and the business community.

CORE Partnership Mission

Strengthening partnerships between public and private stakeholders at both central and local levels across the region to facilitate the exchange and implementation of reform-driven solutions aimed at improving business conditions. A public administration aligned with EU standards and regional best practices will play a key role in shaping public policies and enhancing the capacities of stakeholders for their effective implementation.

Regional Conference – CORE DAYS

Every year in October the CORE Days conference brings together top decision-makers, industry leaders, and visionaries, providing a unique platform for shaping the future of the Western Balkans. With a focus on local economic development, regional knowledge sharing, and the ESG response, these events fostered collaboration and have driven initiatives that support the sustainable growth of the region.

The first Regional Conference CORE Days was held in October 2022 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The key topics of the conference included digitalization, green agenda, innovation and high-tech entrepreneurship, innovative financing of local development, real estate reform. The second Regional Conference CORE Days was organized in Kotor, Montenegro in October 2023 while the last two were organized in Belgrade, Serbia, successfully positioned itself as the platform for fostering collaboration and dialogue on economic development in the Western Balkans, broadening its focus on sustainability. The conferences addressed critical challenges, offering innovative solutions for implementation of ESG standards, energy transition, sustainable agriculture, technological advancements and the local responses to these global issues.

CORE DAYS CONFERENCE WEBSITE: CORE Days

¹ Initially under the name of Regional Business Friendly Certification Network (BFC Network) in South-East Europe (SEE) for improving competitiveness in the region and the living standard of its inhabitants.