Limaj: Kosovo, Albania must clear all taxes

The producers of Kosovo and Albania have requested the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers in the customs sector, as well as the drafting of a specified agenda in terms of calculating fiscal systems in the Tatar and procedural context.

These are the demands of the Union of Albanian Producers in and the Kosovo Producers Club, addressed to the government of Albania and Kosovo. Those at a joint table discussed the problems the business enterprises of the two countries face during their activities.

Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Fatmir Limaj indicated that there will be no lack of institutional support for producers of both countries. He said that for Kosovo and Albania it is good news that the two countries' drivers are making positive pressures towards developing the economy of the two countries.

Limaj added that both the Government of Kosovo and Albania are tasked with supporting the creation of a strong business partnership, where he stressed that both countries must drop all taxes.

“I have seen the draft with the requirements which have the clubs of producers of both countries, and it is a good moment for Kosovo and Albania to set an example among themselves for removing barriers and opening markets. What I can tell you today is that the Government of Kosovo is very interested in giving our business as much space as possible to develop”, he said.

According to Limaj, Kosovo seven years ago had an almost existent production economy, while stressing that this sector today has received a boost.

We, like Government, have received suggestions and started taking some concrete steps where competition will be fair and equal for all. The Kosovo government will carefully address the demands we have received, and I believe Tirana will do the same”, he said.

Trade and Industry Minister Bajram Hasani indicated that the trade balance between Kosovo and Albania is 3:1, where Kosovo exports to Albania only 50 million, while the latter exports to Kosovo about 150 million.

We are working hard as ministries for products to be quality as well as for the European market. It is good news that the two producers around and around the border have agreed. We'll stand by our producers where the law allows us, helping the country's economic development. We are working as soon as we proceed to the internal trade law”, he said.

Kosovo Producers Club Director Astrit Panja said there is an increase in trade exchange between Kosovo and Albania. According to him, Kosovo has 50m euros of exports to Albania, which, he said, compared to the potential, is an extremely low volume.

He invited the Government of Kosovo and Albania to implement the agreements reached so far.

“The two governments have signed 15 agreements so far, but this is not reflected in facilitating Kosovo products in Albania, for us Albania's market should be the continuation of the Kosovo market”, he said.

Albanian Producers Club President Filip Djocea laid out the importance of implementing these agreements in extending an appropriate climate for doing business for both countries.

“I am confident that the two governments will make our work easier”, he added.