Kosovo entrusted with CEFTA chairmanship

Trade and Industry Minister Bajram Hasani, who will be CEFTA's leader, has said in this case Kosovo will play a constructive role during the time it will lead with CEFTA-CE. Minister Hasani has declared that particular importance will cost implementation of the so-called agreements and that they will be committed to the life and agreement expected to be reached in the future.

“As Kosovo government minister and CEFTA leader, we will be fully committed to carrying out our obligations, to realise our goals and most importantly during this chairmanship, and we will focus on implementing the agreements reached so far and on the agreements that we will reach in the future”, the Minister Hasani stressed.

He has indicated that the strategic goal will be to create the Regional Economic Zone with EU compatibility base and the CEFTA Agreement for promoting investment through promotion of regional trade. Minister Hasani has declared that Kosovo during the CEFTA chairmanship will have an approach to co-operation by not neglecting either party involved in this agreement.

“During the year 2018 Kosovo's approach will be proactive, we will work to bring all sides to the table and make decisions that go in favour of regional co-operation and EU integration as the primary goal of Western Balkan countries”, Hasani said.

Following such a step of this importance for our country in the sphere of rock of goods and free trade with the countries part of this agreement, Minister Hasani has invited all sides for mutual co-operation, as this, as Hasani has said, runs in the direction of improving the lives of the citizens of these countries.

Under the above-mentioned strategic goal, CEFTA's chairman for 2018 will have seven priorities. The first priority will be to facilitate free trade in goods. The harmonisation of CEFTA markets with the EU is the second priority. Establishing a region free of non-tariff barriers and resolving trade disputes is the third priority. The fourth priority will be to facilitate free trade in services and facilitate the free movement of qualified experts and professionals is the fifth priority. While the sixth is the free movement of investments, the last of the priorities is the institutional strengthening of the CEFTAS Secretariat.

While, Myriam Ferran from the European Commission has said he expects constructive co-operation with Kosovo. She has said it is a big test for Kosovo and that it should focus on a common future in the EU.

Meanwhile, Kosovo Ambassador to Brussels Bernard Nikaj has said that CEFTA's chairmanship is a good opportunity for Kosovo. He has said that Minister Hasani will postpone certain priorities. Nikaj has said he hopes in bilateral co-operation on the sides. Otherwise Kosovo has become part of CEFTA in 2006.

This is the second time Kosovo has taken over the CEFTA (CEFTA) chairmanship, which changes annually in rotation.