BELGRADE, SARAJEVO

A cultural and business center in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is seeking to become a landmark in southeastern Europe.

The Sarajevo Congress Center will be a milestone in urban development, said Mayor Semir Efendic.

In a public announcement, investors have been invited to bid on its construction.

Efendic said that while studying in Malaysia he noticed that the most important events in Kuala Lumpur take place in the Convention Center,

"That's when I realized Sarajevo did not have that kind of a place. So we worked on the idea," he added.

The center spread across 280,000 square meters will cost up to $200 million.

Once the project is completed, it will host business events as well as concerts and film screenings.

In addition, a five-star hotel will be built in the complex. Guests will able to choose from 300 rooms and 34 suites.

A shopping center and three residential towers are also part of the plan.