Rukiqi: Leaving measures means returning to normal

These three waves of business opening are also dependent on the epidemiological situation, Kosovo Economics Chairman Berat Rukiqi told Online Economy (OEK).

Rukiqi stressed that opening businesses does not solve the problem of pandemic, as he said removing restrictions does not mean restoring to normal.

We discussed three waves of business opening by June two, depending on the epidemiological situation. This is also related to the management of pandemic itself or to the ability to avoid spreading pandemic. These three waves will enable the opening of all businesses starting next week to end in the first week of June”.

“will start with construction and retail trade, to continue with different services in the second phase and to end with the third half with gastronomy and cinema. That doesn't solve the whole problem, even the removal of measures itself doesn't mean going back to normal”, Rukiqi said.

Returning to normality takes more time, which, according to Rukiqi, even after the opening of businesses needs to be respected by IKSP recommendations. He cited a series of measures that will help the private sector recover.

The assumption that return to normal will take much longer, and the possibility of conversion of pandemic is real. We need to prepare with fiscal measures and other measures that can help the private sector”, he said.

Among other things, Rukiqi said the other way is to lend, a portion of the government's interest.

“In talks with businesses, the main focus is also fiscal ease of delaying taxes or programming various debts they have against the state”.

“Fokus should be to secure the means for liquidity through a larger recovery fund, first started and then financed by encouraging the banking sector to issue loans with favourable rates, where some of the interest to cover Government”, he said.

Rukiqi added that competition in other markets can increase under the recovery, creating lines for export.

There is room for in this recovery to see the skills for increased competitiveness in other markets as well. By creating separate lines to support the” export, he said.

Rukiqi also spoke of the emergency package, adding that the second package said it expects efficiency and design in its implementation.

“We have concerns the first package since we have delays, since we have no means to drive towards businesses. This is urgent and is not a matter that can be expected during”.

“We expect to have an efficiency, better functioning of dialogue with Government in designing and implementing recovery package”, Rukiqi told EO.