Exploring the Potential Contribution of B&H Diaspora to Economic

Exploring the Potential Contribution of B&H Diaspora to Economic

KAMENJAS, Lejla

Bosnia and Herzegovina has recently experienced a period of violent conflict that caused mass emigration of around one fourth of its population. In the period following the conflict, we have seen a process of establishment of a strong transnational community of B&H Diaspora. This thesis aims to explore possible solutions for increased involvement of B&H Diaspora in enhancing its economic development. Overview of the current contributions of B&H Diaspora is first provided. It includes remittances, skills transfer, investment, tourism, and other areas of contribution. Then, the results of the survey originally conducted for this thesis, providing information about potential available for exploiting it for, and willingness of B&H Diaspora to use it for, economic development of B&H. Based on the survey analysis, alternative solutions for engagement of diasporas in economic development of a country, available in literature, were reviewed and their appropriateness, effectiveness and means of implementation were discussed. The results of the thesis reveal large potential of B&H Diaspora that still remain unexploited and provides a range policy recommendation for B&H institutions dealing with the economic development of the country, offering solutions for enhancing large contribution of B&H Diaspora. Keywords: Migrations, Diaspora, B&H, Potential, Diaspora Survey.

Article
PeerReviewed

ISSN 978-9958-834-23-3

International Burch University

2013-05-10

1608