Corruption, barriers from the Macedonian side burden Kosovo businesses

The chairman of the North-Western Macedonian Economic Ode, Nebi Hoxha, in an interview for Kosovo Press has said economic co-operation among Balkan states is insufficient.

Hoxha has said the 100 per cent tax decision on goods originating from Serbia increases trade exchange between Kosovo and Macedonia.

Trade exchange between these two states is 217m euros a year in favour of Macedonia.

The other factor for not functioning bilateral co-operation is various barriers, such as customs barriers, infrastructure, corruption and other barriers that increase the cost of products. We like the Economic Ode, over ten years are putting pressure on the Government of Macedonia to remove barriers for infrastructure building with Kosovo, where Macedonia in Kosovo is in economic surplus of 217m euros, compared to 29m euros, Kosovo's export to Macedonia”, Hoxha says.

He has asked the Macedonian and Kosovo authorities to open a customs terminal in Jazhinca, at the border section near Tetovo, which, according to him, would reduce the cost of transportation. OEMVP leader has also asked the government of Macedonia to create facilities for businesses operating in Macedonia.

“Mbi 70,000 Pollog companies, which are with production capacities, are mostly located in Kosovo. An opening of the customs terminal in Jahinca would reduce transport costs and also reduce transport spending. I think that with the opening of customs terminals, especially road and rail infrastructure, it's the main problems. Also unifying customs points between Macedonia and Kosovo would reduce costs and accelerate the circulation of goods and people”, Hoxha says.

Hoxha has said that without a dialogue by the Government of Kosovo and the Government of Macedonia, as well as businesses, there can be no progress of the economy and there can be no promotion of local producers.

“A meeting of two governments -- Macedonia and Kosovo respectively -- was warned no longer than two months ago, and I think such a meeting would be extremely welcome for businesses. I think the key to the Economic Odays at this meeting would be of particular importance, given that business demand is always in increasing cooperation and eliminating barriers that have been over the years and are not being resolved. I think a direct message at such a meeting would be extremely of a particular value”, Hoxha says.

We remember that on November 26th the fifth joint assembly of Albanian governments was held for the elimination of barriers between Albania and Kosovo, while no meeting was held with Macedonia even though such a meeting was promised.