In his regular column, Lumir Abdixhiku writes for Koha Ditore that the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) represents a new economic momentum for Kosovo, despite the views from few skeptics. The reforms set out in the agreement, not only regulate a new economic and trade relation between Kosovo and the EU, but they are also supposed to transform the structure of the Kosovo’s economic model.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, attended the opening of a job fair in Pristina aimed at securing employment for 500 persons. “This is an excellent opportunity for our youth, where around 500 persons will be able to find jobs in different fields of economy,” said Mustafa. He said that what Kosovo needs right now is new jobs and economic development. The fair is organised by the Kosovo’s Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in cooperation with the US Chamber of Commerce and the German Chamber of Commerce.
In its first review of the agreement, the IMF said Kosovo’s economy is recovering as reforms pay off - but warned that political stalemate may have a negative impact.
The International Monetary Fund, IMF, on Monday said Kosovo’s economy is showing signs of improvement in its first review of the Stand-by Arrangement with the Balkan country.
The IMF noted that economic recovery was notable after agreed structural reforms with the government have started to deliver results.
Cooperation between businessmen of central Serbia and Kosovo is very important for the improvement and normalization of political relations as well as for the economic development of the region, is conclusion of the business forum of Chambers of Commerce of Serbia and Kosovo, which brought together about 150 entrepreneurs.
In a press conference, officials from the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce warned that if the political crisis persists in 2016, it stands to cause irreparable damage to Kosovo’s economic interests. Kosovo doesn’t have the luxury to risk implementation of the recently-signed Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Europe, said officials adding that a political consensus is necessary to overcome the crisis.
The fair of agricultural products, agro-industrial and food in Pristina, which opens on Wednesday and will last until October 2, will include 20 companies that are members of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS).
The delegation of Serbian companies will be headed by the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Marko Cadez. The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce will organize business meetings for companies participating, the PKS issued in a statement.
The paper on its front page editorial writes that Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Isa Mustafa, should act immediately to stop the organized crime and corruption, especially in the business sector in Kosovo. The editorial notes that the business sector in Kosovo is “drowned” in corruption. “This has pushed several companies towards full bankruptcy, which in normal circumstances would have been developed and opened new jobs, so, they would have helped in strengthening the economy of Kosovo,” writes the paper.
Minister of Trade and Industry Hykmete Bajrami presented today Kosovo government’s economic agenda and stressed that the ministry she leads is preparing a fund of 15 million euros to support private sector in Kosovo. She said that the dialogue with private businesses will soon be institutionalized through the establishment of the national council for economic development.
Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, had a meeting yesterday with Qatar’s ambassador to Kosovo, Yousif Hasan Yousif Alsae. Thaci said after the meeting that there will be good news for Kosovo. “We had very constructive talks about potential Qatar investments in Kosovo and I believe that in the coming months there will be good news on economic development, employment and investment cooperation,” said Thaci.
Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the economy from the region, in the framework of the Berlin Process, will be held in Pristina, last week of March, Danas has learned from sources in Pristina. Then, according to our source, is expected the first visit of the Head of the Serbian Diplomacy, Ivica Dacic to Kosovo, and the Economy Minister Zeljko Sertic. The meeting, like the previous two in Berlin and Belgrade, will be organized by the Gymnich formula, i.e. without the display of national symbols.