Belma Agic is a distinguished business leader from Bosnia and Herzegovina with extensive experience in leading global FMCG companies like Coca-Cola and Pernod Ricard. During this time, she had the opportunity to work on some of the most recognizable brands in the world, such as ABSOLUT vodka, Jack Daniel’s, Chivas, Coca-Cola, Fanta and others.
Recently received a Distinguished Service Award that recognizes her dedication to peace, understanding and progress. This recognition, along with her being named the Woman of the Year for Business Courage and Digital Champion for Adriatics, underscores her drive for exceptional leadership and excellence. These accolades are not just personal achievements, they represent the collective efforts and resilience of her team and the wider community who have supported and inspired her throughout her journey in the world of e-commerce.
She is excited to be part of the e-commerce community and continue to help businesses grow and succeed in this ever-changing digital environment.
- What is your main motivation to participate in the Balkan eCommerce Summit 2024?
As the Executive Director of the eCommerce Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, my main motivation for participating in the Balkan eCommerce Summit 2024 is to further establish Bosnia and Herzegovina as a key player in the regional eCommerce landscape. This summit provides an unparalleled platform for sharing insights, discussing industry trends, and forging meaningful connections with other industry leaders. By participating, we aim to showcase the innovative strides our country has made in eCommerce, learn from the experiences of others, and explore collaborative opportunities. Our goal is not only to contribute to the discourse but to also draw inspiration from our Balkan counterparts to foster a more integrated and robust eCommerce ecosystem.
- You participated in the Balkan eCommerce Summit panel; what was the topic of the panel?
At the 1st Balkan eCommerce Summit my colleague Orhan Gazibegović and I had the honor of delivering a Keynote presentation titled “Unlocking the Potential of eCommerce in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This presentation was a comprehensive analysis of the evolving eCommerce landscape in our country. Our focus was to present the results of the latest research undertaken by our association in collaboration with our partners. We also showcased the achievements, capabilities and competitive advantages of leading web stores and courier services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The presentation highlighted their innovation, quality, and strengths. The objective was to pave the way for increased regional collaboration, positioning Bosnian eCommerce businesses as influential contributors within the Balkan market. This presentation was instrumental in not only demonstrating the growth and potential of our local eCommerce sector but also in sparking new partnerships and strengthening existing relationships across the Balkan region.
- What were the main takeaways from your Keynote presentation at the Summit?
The main takeaways from our Keynote presentation were both profound and impactful. Our presentation, which focused on the growing Bosnian eCommerce market gained significant interest from the audience. This response was a testament to the growing curiosity and recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s emerging role in the eCommerce sector. A key outcome of this presentation was the establishment of new partnerships. The interest it generated among the attendees led to several fruitful discussions and engagements with various companies and organizations. These new alliances have been pivotal for our association and for some of our member companies, providing valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. The presentation also served as a platform to showcase the innovative strides being made by Bosnian eCommerce businesses. We emphasized how these companies are not only thriving locally but are also equipped to compete and collaborate on a regional scale. This aspect of the presentation highlighted the potential for further development and integration within the broader Balkan eCommerce ecosystem. Overall, the presentation at the Balkan eCommerce Summit was a milestone for us, illustrating the dynamic nature of the Bosnian eCommerce market and opening doors for future collaborations and continued growth in the region.
- What left the strongest impression on you from the Balkan eCommerce Summit 2023?
The 2023 Balkan eCommerce Summit was not only a professional milestone but also an enriching personal experience, leaving a lasting impression on me. The event was characterized by an incredible spirit of collaboration and unity among participants, which was truly inspiring. It was remarkable to see diverse stakeholders from different Balkan countries sharing a common vision for the future of eCommerce in our region, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and expressing excitement about future innovations in eCommerce.
One of the most significant aspects of the summit was forming lifelong friendships, particularly with Nikola Ilchev, the founder of the Balkan eCommerce Summit. Our relationship with Nikola transcends professional boundaries, evolving into a strong and genuine friendship. Reflecting on this, it was a great honor to have had Nikola as a Keynote speaker at our own eCommerce conference, which successfully took place in October. The opportunity to host such an influential figure at our event underscored the depth of our relationship and the collaborative spirit that underpins our industry.
This synergy, both on a professional and personal level, with leaders like Nikola and others, profoundly impacted me. It reinforced the importance of building meaningful connections in our industry and highlighted how these relationships can lead to successful collaborations and mutual growth.
- And what are your expectations for the upcoming Balkan eCommerce Summit 2024?
For the upcoming Balkan eCommerce Summit 2024, my expectations are high, both in terms of professional engagement and the fun elements that make these events memorable. I’m looking forward to deeper discussions on integrating advanced technologies like AI and blockchain in eCommerce, and a stronger focus on sustainability and ethical practices in digital commerce. I also anticipate insightful dialogues on cross-border eCommerce strategies, which are crucial in our increasingly connected world.
In addition to the serious stuff, I’m eagerly anticipating the more lighthearted aspects of the summit. For instance, I can’t help but hope that alongside groundbreaking technological insights, we might also crack the code on how Bulgaria manages to make their banitsa and Shopska salad so irresistibly delicious – a culinary secret just as intriguing as any advanced algorithm! And, if we’re lucky, we might even get a masterclass on the art of balancing a conference schedule with sampling the local cuisine.
Jokes aside, I also look forward to a greater representation from various sectors, which promises to enrich our understanding and approach to the multifaceted nature of eCommerce. The blend of serious discussions, cultural exchanges, and perhaps a few culinary adventures, is sure to make the 2024 Summit not just informative but also incredibly enjoyable.
- Why do you think events like the Balkan eCommerce Summit are useful for business and would you recommend them?
Events like the Balkan eCommerce Summit are very valuable for businesses, especially in a rapidly evolving industry like eCommerce. They provide a unique convergence of ideas, expertise, and experiences, fostering a learning environment that is crucial for staying ahead in this dynamic sector. Such summits facilitate networking, partnership opportunities, and knowledge exchange, which are essential for business growth and innovation. I would highly recommend them to anyone in the eCommerce field, whether they are established players or new entrants, as these events offer a wealth of information and opportunities that can significantly impact their business strategies and operations.
Balkan eCommerce Summit 2024 is a two-day forum that will take place in Arena Sofia on April 4 and 5, 2024. The organizer of the event, Nikola Ilchev, promises an impressive event that will bring new perspectives in e-commerce to the Balkan region.
If you plan to develop a business in the Balkans or beyond, your place is at the Balkan eCommerce Summit 2024.