American Oda: Pandemia disorder also provides opportunities for manufacturers

According to OEK, in these times of uncertainty when consumption levels are higher, the role of producers who now have the biggest impact on the state economy is being seen as increasingly important, Klan Kosova reports.

This perspective on the impact, challenges and possibilities created by this situation has been the theme of discussion at the virtual forum, which was organised by the American Economic Oda in Kosovo with panelists Visar Ramajli, co-owner and manager at the KIVO plastic products factory and Exile Pristina, chief executive chief and founder of the Trepharm pharmaceutical company, both of which are members of the Board of the Governors of the American Ode”.

Below, you can read the complete communique of the American Economic Ode:

Visar Ramajli from KIVO company said that even all industries have been hit by pandemics, both in terms of the difficulty of global supply chains, but also the implications that have resulted from government decisions. Ramajli, however, said that despite these problems created, there has been no complete interruptions of goods production and circulation. He also expressed gratitude for the workers who, with their efforts, kept production at the level. Speaking of overall impact on the economy, Ramajli said at this time there can be no literal assessment of the situation and the consequences of pandemic, but must be worked on developing and strengthening the economy, adding that there will be new opportunities for production industries in Europe's periphery, since large companies would likely shift their production or supply from Asia. Linking to economic recovery after the pandemic, Ramajli said the state of Kosovo must become more attractive for foreign investors in order to achieve a sustainable economic development. For this development, it needs to be invested in export sectors - the production sector of existing products - but also new products.

Exile Pristina from the Trepharm company said the situation created has had great impact on production industries, and especially pharmaceuticals, due to increased demand. The impact is reflected through reducing physical staff within Trepharm's environments, but also difficulties in providing raw materials as a result of increasing panic-made purchases around the world, which have disturbed the supply chain and production at the local and global level. He said the new situation behind the pandemic will create a new opportunity for production companies in Kosovo. However, he also spoke of the need for changing the perception that policymakers in Kosovo have in general, stressing that through close co-operation it can be discussed empowering production in general but also of rapid recovery after the end of the pandemic. Pristina, further said that producers from the Balkans are planning to start producing products, which so far have been contracted in other states, to thus meet the domestic needs of consumption, but also the needs of the continent of Europe as a whole.

The virtual forms of the American Economic Ode in Kosovo are supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the EU Development of Enterprises and Investment Relief programme.