City of Gradiška obtained the BFC SEE certificate for the third time

The City of Gradiška has for the third time successfully completed the BFC SEE process, again proving itself as one of the leading investment destinations in the region.

Bordering the European Union, Gradiška has one of the most strategic locations for investment in the country. With access to a market of over 500 million consumers, businesses benefit from immediate proximity to the EU. Through multiple free trade agreements – including CEFTA, EFTA, and Turkey – investors enjoy favorable conditions to reach international markets, making Gradiška a vital link between East and West, as well as North and South Europe.

Gradiška’s transport infrastructure further strengthens its competitive edge. Direct access to the Sava River, connections to key regional and European road corridors, and openness to Adriatic ports provide Gradiška with a strong transit function and inter-regional significance.

The business environment is marked by competitive advantages such as the lowest corporate profit tax in Europe at 10%, a 17% VAT rate, customs benefits, and low operating costs compared to EU countries. Investors can also rely on efficient local administration, with accelerated company registration and permitting procedures, supported by a proactive Investor Center. Additionally, Gradiška offers a skilled and qualified workforce, ensuring businesses can count on strong human capital.

Rich natural resources further support development. With around 500 km² of high-quality agricultural land and abundant water resources, Gradiška is the country’s largest fruit producer and one of its leading vegetable producers. The Nova Topola Industrial Zone, a 135-hectare greenfield site, provides an ideal location for domestic and international investors, strategically connected to regional and European transport routes.

In the future, the recently approved Free Zone Gradiška – Liman and Nova Topola will offer even more opportunities, with planned infrastructure and equipment investments of nearly 48 million KM in the first three years. The zone will provide numerous advantages, including VAT and customs exemptions, simplified customs procedures, one-stop-shop administration, and favorable local incentives, alongside competitive service packages for transport, logistics, and insurance.

The city of Gradiška has been on several occasions ranked among the top 10 cities of the future in the category of strategies for attracting foreign direct investments by the prestigious magazine, Financial Times. Commitment to the prosperity of the city of Gradiska can be seen in the mayor Zoran Adžić's vision:

“Gradiška will use this strategic period so that its geographical proximity to the EU serves as a development lever in key sectors, so that the "spill-over" of policies, practices and standards characteristic of similar environments in European countries occurs much faster than in other environments, which will enable and facilitate greater competitiveness of the economy, a better life for citizens and a sustainable environment, while maintaining and upgrading the cultural and historical identity of this area. The geo-strategic position of Gradiška is a fulcrum in this development vision that should facilitate the realization of other elements of the vision: economic, educational and environmental rapprochement with similar environments in the EU.

In terms of economic development, this means that geographical proximity should be used to strengthen the ties of Gradiška companies with partners from EU countries, so that these interactions lead to the creation of greater added value, more employment and better jobs in the territory of the city of Gradiška. This will not be possible unless there is also an educational rapprochement, so that the level of education and the quality of the labor supply are such that they can respond to the challenges of development and the needs of investors in the era of the knowledge economy, digitalization, the Internet and growing economic networking, while preserving and upgrading the cultural and historical identity and natural environment of this area.

Economic and educational rapprochement should be accompanied by ecological rapprochement, so that enhanced environmental protection, on the one hand, and protection from growing natural disasters, lead to a constant reduction in all types of environmental pollution, as well as a reduction in the negative consequences of climate change on the economy and life in the city of Gradiška.”

With its outstanding certification score, exceptional location, favorable business conditions and efficient city administration, Gradiška is firmly establishing itself as a regional hub for investment and growth.

Learn more about investment opportunities in Gradiška and discover why it is one of the best investment destinations.