Haradinaj in Austria: Kosovo offers many opportunities for foreign investors

This forum is marking its 15th jubilee, while the topic of discussion is “Regional Co-operation as part of European integration. Digitalisation in the Balkans”.

Initially, Prime Minister Haradinaj has thanked the attendees and organisers for the dedication of the organisation of such an economic forum, with particular emphasis on the topic of digitisation, which he said is the best opportunity of connecting people in the world.

The one before the Western Balkan participants and prime ministers spoke of Kosovo's economic and infrastructure reality, plans and expectations of co-operation among countries in the region. In his address, Prime Minister Haradinaj said that until we promote good neighbourly relations, the treatment should also be equal among countries.

“While discussing regional connection, competition, skills and furniture, we try to forget and overlook the fact that Kosovo remains the only country in Europe that continues to be closed, denying us the right to free visa movement. Yes, it is closed by the EU”, Haradinaj said, stressing that Kosovo has fulfilled all 95 technical and political criteria required by the EU.

The head of Kosovo's executive has also cited existing non-tariff barriers that are constantly imposed on Kosovo products and companies, stops and extended delays of trucks and vehicles at border crossings with Serbia, saying these actions directly damage our GDP.

No international agreement can be implemented without equal treatment of the” parties, he said, adding that Western Balkan countries should co-operate and have a constructive commitment to the principles and spirit of regional co-operation and good neighbourly relations.

Haradinaj stressed the fact that Kosovo has embraced all agendas and initiatives and is committed to working closely now and in the future to boost regional co-operation and to create new partnerships with each investment-based neighbour, trade mobility and digitalisation, as the main pillars of connection between us and the region and the EU.

The number one of the Government cited the commercial priorities that Kosovo has, such as the free cost of labour, the low electricity price, low pay 10%, corporate tax 10%, the fact that there is no tax on dictatorships and that VAT is 8% 18%, investment in economic areas, and the fact that unnecessary barriers have been eliminated for existing operators and new investors who want to invest in the digital market.

“The global labour market requirements and doing business are met by Kosovo. We have highly adequate foreign direct investment laws, we have working classes with adequate labour costs, taxes extremely low compared to other countries and strategic orientation for economic development”, Haradinaj said, adding that Kosovo is a new nation, with bright, educated and energetic youth, ready to be a regional champion in the digitalisation sector and more, but that we should have the right to move freely.

At the end of his speech, Prime Minister Haradinaj has conveyed to the audience the message of the people of Kosovo, saying that they especially expect EU countries to respect its agreement with Kosovo, which after confirming the fulfillment of the 95 criteria, its people will have the right to travel without visas to Europe.