LocationsSmall and Medium Enterprises
June 26, 2026
Drivers of a More Sustainable and Competitive Economy
The Technical Assistance Programme helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) translate the principles of the circular economy and green chemistry into practical business solutions that improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
As demand grows for more sustainable products and responsible manufacturing, competitiveness increasingly depends on the efficient use of resources, the development of innovative business models, and the responsible management of raw materials and chemicals. For many companies, the first step is not major investment, but new knowledge, a fresh perspective on existing processes, and a commitment to making sustainability an integral part of their business strategy.
Through long-standing partnerships with public institutions, international organizations and the private sector, UNDP has supported policy development, strengthened institutional capacities and helped create an enabling environment for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s green transition. Today, this support increasingly extends to the private sector, recognizing the pivotal role of small and medium-sized enterprises in translating development policies into tangible results through innovation, more sustainable production and enhanced competitiveness.
Within this broader framework, the Technical Assistance Programme for the Development of Skills and Business Solutions Based on the Principles of Green Chemistry and the Circular Economy was developed under the Catalyzing the Green Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina Portfolio.
Over two multi-month cycles implemented in 2025 and 2026, the Programme brought together 20 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across Bosnia and Herzegovina and a range of manufacturing industries. Through expert mentoring, analytical and advisory support, hands-on workshops and environmental audits, participating companies developed more sustainable business models and tailored transition plans for adopting the principles of green chemistry and the circular economy.
A key strength of the Programme was its tailored, company-specific approach. Working closely with experts and through on-site environmental audits, each company assessed its production processes, identified opportunities for improvement, and developed a Green Chemistry and Circular Economy Transition Plan with clearly defined priorities, objectives and investment actions. As a result, participating companies not only strengthened their internal capacities but also became better positioned to attract future investment and access financial instruments that support sustainable business transformation.
For Vendom d.o.o. Laktaši, the greatest value of the Programme was the opportunity to look at its business from a new perspective.
“When you do the same job every day, it is difficult to see where there is room for improvement. Discussions with experts and an in-depth analysis of our processes helped us identify opportunities we had not previously recognized. We no longer see sustainability merely as an obligation, but as an opportunity to operate more efficiently.”
At Junior Eko Termik d.o.o. Tešanj, the Programme's greatest value lay in helping the company develop a clear roadmap for its next steps.
“The Programme showed us that the green transition does not have to involve large and costly changes all at once. The key is to start with your existing processes, set clear objectives and gradually introduce solutions that deliver long-term benefits for both the company and the environment.”
Although the Programme supported 20 companies, its impact extends well beyond the number of participants. Their experiences demonstrate that sustainable industrial development does not begin solely with major investments, but with knowledge, partnerships and a willingness to improve existing processes. By expanding these practices to a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises, Bosnia and Herzegovina is laying the foundations for a more competitive economy, a more resilient industrial sector and a faster green transition.
Companies Participating in the Programme (2025–2026)
Over two multi-month cycles of the Technical Assistance Programme implemented in 2025 and 2026, 20 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across Bosnia and Herzegovina took part in the initiative:
Bojo Metal (Kiseljak), Empress (Zenica), FTM (Novi Travnik), G&S Traders (Bijeljina), Gala Group (Mostar), MDG International (Vogošća), Medena Commerce (Dobropolje), T&E (Sarajevo), Termoglas (Banovići), Walter AEC (Sarajevo), Metallon (Visoko), GS – Tvornica mašina Travnik (Travnik), Vendom (Laktaši), Contain Mbox (Rudo), Dobojinex (Doboj), Nermaris (Gračanica), Selzer Automotive Bosnia (Sarajevo), Ćosićpromex (Usora), Colorit (Banja Luka), and Junior Eko Termik (Tešanj).
About the Green Transition Portfolio
The Technical Assistance Programme is implemented under the Green Transition Portfolio (GTP), a joint United Nations initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina led by UNDP and co-chaired by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina (MOFTER), with the strategic partnership and support of Sweden and the Government of Switzerland.
The Portfolio brings together United Nations agencies – FAO, ILO, UNECE, UNEP, UNODC, and UN Women – alongside institutions at all levels of government to accelerate Bosnia and Herzegovina's green, inclusive and sustainable transition across four priority areas: decarbonization, depollution, biodiversity and nature, and the circular economy.
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