They demand assurances that their bills will be paid.
Suppliers of Agrokor’s Konzum in Bosnia and Herzegovina are ready to continue cooperation with the company and deliver their products as before the latest crisis that has shaken Agrokor, but want a definitive agreement on payments and guarantees that they will get their money, it was said at a crisis meeting held on Monday in Sarajevo under the auspices of the government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, reports Lider on April 17, 2017.
Minister of Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade Amir Zukić invited to the meeting representatives of 11 companies which are the largest suppliers of Konzum’s stores in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nine companies accepted the invitation: Coca Cola, AS Jelah Group, Atacco, Violeta, Orbico, Megamix, Milkos, Meggle, Perutnina Ptuj, Akova and Bimal Brčko.
President of a trade union Majda Beširević said that there was evident fear among large number of Konzum employees for their jobs. She said that such atmosphere cannot go on for long, although for now there is no indication of massive layoffs caused by the crisis in Agrokor.
Minister Zukić told reporters after the meeting that it was in everyone’s interest that Konzum continues to operate and to receive goods from suppliers. The fact is that Agrokor currently owes suppliers about 66.5 million euros and they all want to know how and when the debt will be repaid. “We are trying to ensure normal operations of Konzum and creation of conditions for the solution of the crisis,” said Zukić. “There must be a fair relationship. Suppliers are willing to take the risk and ensure the continued delivery of goods, but they must have a guarantee of payment,” said Zukić.
He said that Bosnia and Herzegovina for now is not thinking about adopting a new regulatory framework and passing laws like the one which the Slovenian government might adopt in order to keep control over Mercator’s finances. Zukić explained that such legislation would be very difficult to adopt in Bosnia and Herzegovina, given the complex structure of the country. He expressed hope that the resolution of the crisis would be helped by a meeting of ministers from countries in the region in which Agrokor operates, which should take place on Wednesday in Belgrade.
One of the major suppliers of Konzum in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Milkos dairy company. Its director Adin Fakić confirmed that they were interested in continuing cooperation, but under clearly defined conditions. “We believe that Konzum in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be preserved,” said Fakić, adding that in question was the fate of about 1,500 farmers from whom Milkos buys milk daily.
