American Oda: Yesterday's decision on vague isolation, disturbing private sector survival

In this communiqué, OAK reportedly has consensus on the need for public health, but also requires that the restrictions on business activities have implications for the survival of the private sector, reports news.

OAK says yesterday's decisions have been unclear as to the definition of allowing and stopping work for specific economic activities.

Moreover, yesterday's decision allows room for two-way interpretations due to the exhibition of terms included in the decision, which is resulting in the punishment of private companies, such as the case with the term “small supermarkets” without clarifying which elements determine the size of a retail company. Such formulas lead to unfair punishment of private enterprises, which despite the difficulties caused by the COVID19 pandemic, have done their best to continue their activities and maintain jobs, but also in equal treatment of different companies within the same sectors. ”, said in this reaction.

This is the OAK's full response:

The American Economic Oda in Kosovo expresses its concern over measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo with yesterday's decision to prevent business activities without prior consultation with organisations representing private sector interests.

Understanding the need to protect public health through the right measures to prevent spreading the pandemic COVID19, the American Economic Oda requires that at the same time be taken into account the damage that restricting business activities has on private sector companies and their survival.

Moreover, yesterday's decision leaves room for mutual interpretations due to the modernisation of the terms included in the decision, which is resulting in the punishment of private companies, such as the case with the term “small supermarkets” without explaining which elements determine the size of a retail company. Such formulas lead to unfair punishment of private enterprises, which despite the difficulties caused by the COVID19 pandemic, have done their best to continue their activities and maintain jobs, but also in equal treatment of different companies within the same sectors.

Sharing concerns with representatives of certain business sectors, the American Economic Oda urged the Government to enable communication through existing dialogue mechanisms or other forms, to consider private sector concerns and recommendations, and to convey with specific supporting measures its decisions on limiting business activity.