SARAJEVO, May 3 (Xinhua) -- The "Jahorina Economic Forum 2018" started Thursday in Pale, some 30 kilometers southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) capital, highlighting the regional cooperation as an important leverage for economic development of southeast Europe countries.

Representatives of international organizations, political leaders from BiH, Serbia and the region gathered at the two-day investment forum on Jahorina Mountain to discuss ways of enhancing the economic development of countries in the region.

At the opening speech, a member of the BiH's tripartite presidency Dragan Covic pointed out that the region has three chances for development: integrations, innovations and investments, adding that BiH's and region's future is in the European Union (EU).

"The EU is our future and I am assured that all in the region are committed to this solution," Covic said, stressing the hope that participants of the forum will send guidelines where regional economics should go.

Among the ones present was Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic who made it clear that countries of the region need to work more on joint economic interests, because excellent economic situation in Serbia is good for BiH and the region.

"By strengthening of Serbia's economy, a higher level of investment and further strengthening of economic cooperation with the region can be expected," said Brnabic.

Initially launched in 2016, Jahorina Economic Forum gathered some 450 participants from 15 countries and regions this year.