Fifth meeting of the KS Labor Market Reform Council: Align education with the labor market
UNDP representatives and the Institute of Economics Sarajevo presented on 12 October 2020 at the fifth session of the Sarajevo Canton Labor Market Reform Council, among other things, solutions for creating an inclusive labor market in the Western Balkans (ILMS II), as well as ways to better govern, all with the aim of faster economic growth (EGG). The analysis was presented to the KS Prime Minister Mario Nenadić, Minister of Labor, Social Policy, Displaced Persons and Refugees Jasna Agić and the Minister of Education, Science and Youth Anis Krivić.
On this occasion, Professor Muamer Halilbašić informed present that in relation to the previous session, then presented document was supplemented with new data from 2019, with a review of events in 2020, which relate to key measures and projects received from line ministries, along with research findings that have worked with UNDP.
“By launching a two-year study at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the development of schools for education and retraining within the companies themselves, the Ministry of Economy provides an incentive for employment in the IT sector. These data clearly show that when you have good measures and resources, then you can expect a good result “ said Halilbašić.
It was also stated that the Ministry of Economy made a good step forward by introducing new programs to help entrepreneurs, such as the application of subsidized interest rates, but had to adjust them to current economic trends and the current time of the coronavirus pandemic.
During the session, Prime Minister Nenadić placed special emphasis on the major problems of the labor market in our country, even in the Sarajevo Canton. These problems go far beyond incentive schemes and support grants. It is an uncoordinated education system with the needs of the labor market. Therefore, it is necessary to change several key things concerning the education, labor and economy sectors, he pointed out, among other things.
As she stated, Minister Agić plans to provide the Employment Service with a rebalance of around 11 million BAM, which will be intended for employment programs for health workers, teaching assistants, public works and “Jobs for All.” In addition to these funds, the Service has another 3.5 million BAM at its disposal.
Professor Halilbašić stated that it is necessary to create a program for the development of entrepreneurial infrastructure, which would specify the zones and capacities, and define a new set of measures for its implementation.
He especially thanked UNDP, with which the Government of Sarajevo Canton has developed excellent cooperation that is currently taking place in several fields, and that it is very important to combine international projects and their knowledge and experience.
Prime Minister Nenadić announced that by next week, all Ministries from their departments will unite their activities into one document that will be presented at the thematic session of the Government.
Source: Vlada Kantona Sarajevo
