The meeting of Western Balkan countries in London at the Summit organized by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has started today. Kosovo at this summit is represented by Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, who has presented concrete projects with the purpose of funding for their realization.
In his speech to hundreds of potential investors from all over the world, Prime Minister Haradinaj cited the work of the Kosovo Government in improving the legal field in favor of creating a better environment for foreign investment, small businesses and corporations, tax exemption in some sectors to stimulate economic growth, create a better investment climate in the field of agriculture, information technology and alternative energy production.
“Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe. 65 percent of them are under the age of 35, which makes the job market very attractive. Our young people have largely absorbed the information technology, becoming one of the top countries in the world in its use. Many of them are foreign language speakers, “Prime Minister Haradinaj said in his speech.
Today’s meeting of the six Western Balkan prime ministers was opened by the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Suma Chakrabarti, who pledged for the continuation of good cooperation between the Western Balkans and the EBRD, expressing his support in support of regional projects of these countries and in road, rail and energy infrastructure projects.
The inauguration of London’s summit works in addition to President Chakrabarti, was also greeted by Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who is also chairing the EU Presidency and Matt Hancock, a British Government representative, who said the Western Balkans has potential for real investment, but we need cooperation and that is why we are here. “Great Britain is committed to stability and prosperity. We are working closely with each country to improve the legal and economic climate, “said Mr. Hancock.
Prime Minister Haradinaj thanked the EBRD president and expressed the commitment of the government of Kosovo to developing regional projects and cooperation among the Western Balkan countries, citing projects such as the construction of a new railway line linking Kosovo to Albania, another line that connects the country with Montenegro, the completion of the Pristina – Skopje highway and the interest for Kosovo to have access to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
“Kosovo’s efforts to finalize its basic infrastructure, highway, rail, water supply and electricity supply are prerequisites for investors so they can be from our region or beyond,” said Prime Minister Haradinaj, adding that good investment is required to cooperate with other countries.
Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Dalibor Jevtić, Minister of Economic Development Valdrin Lluka, European Integration Minister Dhurata Hoxha, Mayor of Prishtina, Shpend Ahmeti and Coordinator for Western Balkans, Gazmend Abrashi.
At the summit this year, Kosovo’s government has presented 39 concrete projects worth €600 million. Projects come from the public and private sectors and are dedicated to road infrastructure, sewage treatment, drinking water, projects from alternative energy production and production projects.
There is more than five months that the Kosovo Government has been preparing for the London Summit, holding numerous meetings at local level in Kosovo Municipalities and with business representatives from the country.
