October 18 (SeeNews) - The Serb Republic government said it plans to build a science and technology city, in close proximity to Banja Luka, in line with a document drafted by the entity's scientific and technological development ministry.
The project aims to attract creative and talented individuals from the IT and science sectors, seen as key sectors for the development of the Serb Republic, the entity's government said in a statement on Thursday.
The future city would be affiliated with the University of Banja Luka and will focus on supporting new entrepreneurs, existing businesses and the technological industry as a whole, with a focus on information technologies, the statement added.
The government also said it has authorised minister for scientific and technological development Srdjan Rajcevic to begin negotiations on the project financing with potential lenders or donors.
Local media reported on Thursday that the project would cost some 200 million marka ($113.8 million/102.3 million euro), adding the city will be developed in the area between Banja Luka and Laktasi.
The Serb Republic is one of two autonomous entities forming Bosnia and Herzegovina. The other one is the Federation.
(1 euro = 195583 marka)