IOM and Bit Alliance signed a MoU to advance ICT sector cooperation

(Sarajevo, 7 June 2021) – Today, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bit alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a cooperation channel for knowledge exchange and promotion of joint innovative projects to reinforce mutual Information Communication Technology (ICT) programmes.

The document was signed by Laura Lungarotti, Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans and IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Mission and Bit Alliance Director Tatjana Vučić.

Bit Alliance is association of the largest IT companies in BiH which have been united since 2014 under this platform and is the head organization of ICT industry in the country representing more than 2,800 employees from roughly 60 biggest ICT companies in BiH.

The two parties shared the goals and scope of their cooperation in different fields of ICT sector. This will include technical assistance, capacity building, supplies of materials and equipment to counter the challenges ICT sector is facing: lack of highly skilled employees, poorly developed IT industry infrastructure and a lack of development incentives.

“This Memorandum will provide a framework of cooperation between the IOM and Bit Alliance by setting-up a communication channel to establish cooperation to share experiences and knowledge and promote joint innovative projects to mutually reinforce joint ICT programmes.

The range of cooperation activities will include technical assistance and capacity building, supplies of materials and equipment.”, said Laura Lungarotti, Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans and IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Mission.

“Bit Alliance appreciates and recognizes all the efforts that international organizations invest in the development of all aspects of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially the ICT industry.

We are pleased to join forces with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to implement a series of activities and projects in the coming period, aimed at analysing the migration of IT professionals, as well as other projects targeting IT industry development.”, said Tatjana Vučić, Bit Alliance Director.

The cooperation is within the framework of the Labour Migration Project contributing to the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Government’s efforts to improve migration governance and development of evidence-based policies related to the migration of healthcare and Information Communication Technology (ICT) professionals.

For more information, please contact Edita Selimbegović, IOM Public Information: eselimbegovic@iom.int