GRAČANICA

Gracanica municipality is situated between Doboj and Tuzla regions near the main road Doboj-Tuzla in the Northeast part of BiH. The area is mostly rural and rich in minerals, thermal springs and fertile land.
Larger part of the land in the municipality is registered as agricultural; therefore the process of land transfer from agricultural to industrial in order to support development of small and middle enterprises could be a main challenge.

The main developmental potential is agricultural production and small and middle enterprises, especially in the following sectors: production of building material, construction, wood and metal processing industry, commerce and handicraft/trade.

Local governance has recognized these potentials by securing industrial zones, business incubators as well as necessary infrastructure in order to provide incentives for small and middle enterprises.
There were 365 registered legal entities and 640 private shops in 2003 registered in Gracanica. Total number of employees in both sectors was 5957. In the last five years Gracanica had an average increase of 17 % in gross annual income and level of employment was increased for 2.2 %.
Gracanica municipality encompasses 22 local communities.

Modern information system was developed and put in function in January 2002 along with SWING process Manager Software, which is enabling more efficient organization of activities, monitoring and follow up of documents, requests and activities. There is an office specialized for work with clients/citizens.

Total number of citizens associations and sport clubs in Gracanica municipality is 24, two are dealing with youth related issues.

Gracanica municipality has expressed and proved its interest for inter municipal cooperation. Some of the projects in which Gracanica took part are: CARE QIF, World bank LDP program, EURED creating strategy of regional economic development (North Bosnia region), as well as OSCE pilot project of public administration reform. At the moment the project of waste management at the Tuzla canton level is most prominent.