The American Oda says against the tax: Builds negative effects on Kosovo

The American “Oda believes that free trade is an important factor in enabling economic growth through efficiency and increased innovation, export opportunities, as well as lower quality and consumer-priced goods, so any decision to establish non-tariff barriers and tariffs outside of the spirit and commitments in the context of free trade agreements, as well as commitments the country has undertaken to advance the European integration path, despite arguments that argue the actions of <18x>, the letter says.

The American Economic Oda says she is aware of the difficulties in moving goods to Kosovo companies through non-tariff barriers that CEFTA member states place, however, Oda American believes the agreement contains provisions for resolving disputes that could be put into use for an unhindered trade between states.

The US “Oda believes that any decision on tariff and non-tariff barriers will generate negative effects on Kosovo's economy over the long term since it will affect slow economic growth and hinder prospects for job creation, overshadowing the short-term positive effects that the decision could have”, not to mention that the measure of 100 per cent of products that are introduced by Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“As far as timely attacks on companies and sectors designated by senior government officials, the American Oda considers them to be direct intervention in private sector operations, contrary to the Constitution and other relevant state laws, which guarantee a free market economy. The American Oda believes that the state has sufficient legal and institutional mechanisms dealing with competition issues, market and consumer protection, the key role of which is to protect public interest and ensure that no companies, local or foreign, abuses the dominant position”.

According to the OAK, the above arguments as well as low dialogue between the private and public sector could and would have an impact on foreign direct investments, at a time when the state needs to improve its perception before American investors and others.

“Formes of foreign direct investment in 2018, as well as worsening Kosovo's rank in the World Bank report that measures the ease of doing business are the best reflection of the country's deviation from its track of reforms”.

At the end of the letter, the American Economic Oda called on the Parliament, the Government, as well as independent agencies to refrain from baseless statements and actions that could affect Kosovo's European integration, as well as to pursue reforms in the business environment, which would lead to greater foreign investment and faster growth, given that Kosovo has all the resources needed to turn into an important role in the Western Balkan region.