Kosovo's first Economic Forum in Paris, Kurti: Together we can build a strong economy

In the capital of France, Paris, today the first Kosovo Economic Forum was held in Paris, with representatives of the government, development agencies and French companies under the organisation of the Prime Minister's Office.

Along with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who made the opening of this forum, present and participating in the forum were four government cabinet ministers -- Minister of Industry, Enterprises and Trade, Roseta Hajdari, Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of Environment, Space Planning and Infrastructure, Liburn Aliu and Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Faton Peci, who had a word, as well as Kosovo's Ambassador to France, Mehdim and Chief of the Prime Minister Dafi, Daspi.

In his entry address, Prime Minister Kurti listed the reasons, underlined priorities and singled out sectors with mostly opportunities for foreign investment.

He presented Kosovo's potential and offer to foreign investors in the field of Information Technology and Digital innovation, Tourism, Energy, Easy Production, and Agriculture.

The country's geographical position, educated, talented, creative youth, which speaks more than a foreign language, fiscal policies and a convenient tax system, democratic progress in recent years, rule of law, institutional stability and infrastructure investments, as well as plans for over 50 infrastructure projects in transport, environment and energy are the key elements making Kosovo attractive to foreign investors, Prime Minister Kurti singled out the invitation to attend and French companies to invest in Kosovo.

This is more than an invitation to invest in Kosovo. It is an invitation to be part of our transformation and an invitation to grow and deepen our friendship. Together, we can build a strong economy, a more prosperous region and a future for which we can all boast”, Kurti said, in the announcement by the prime minister.

France's Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad attended the forum, with which Prime Minister Kurti had held a meeting during the day. He said in his address that the presence of Prime Minister Kurti in Paris today is a signal of common will to strengthen economic co-operation between Kosovo and France.

Minister Haddad said there are many French companies interested in investing in Kosovo, especially in the energy field. He added that France supports Kosovo's economic perspective.

Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Minister Lieburn Aliu during his presentation spoke of infrastructure projects linking Kosovo and the region, with particular focus on railway links and infrastructure affecting trade exchanges and the interconnection of countries and at the same time serving our green agenda.

Minister Aliu also spoke of environmental projects and policies aimed at adapting infrastructure with climate change and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli said that “those of higher economic growth in the region, better governance, fighting corruption and informality, and common values with European family nations, Kosovo is increasingly attractive to investments from European states. ”

Roseta Hajdari, Minister of Industry, Intervention and Trade, said that the latest “Kosovo has made considerable progress in advancing policies and legal reforms in line with EU legislation and the best international practices, as well as simplifying the procedures of doing business fair and competitive promoted by innovation and production”. It also singled out the initiative's approval of the 2023 Development Strategy and investments in the creation of 12 industrial parks as infrastructure, legal and physical support, productivity and innovation.

The call for investment in agriculture and food processing sector also made Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development Minister Faton Peci, who said the National Development Strategy 2030 aims at a friendly environment for agricultural businesses and gives priority to innovation and the principles of the surrounding economy to boost competitiveness and sustainability.

In closing the Forum, Prime Minister Luan Dalipi's Chief of Staff stressed that Kosovo is quickly becoming an ideal destination for investments and for outsourling services of business processes (BPO).

He attributed this progress to sustainable improvements in rule of law, freedom and democracy, also enabled by the long and close partnership with France.

“Political stability, coupled with the strengthening of democracy and rule of law, creates predictability and efficiency two key factors each serious investor takes into account. Kosovo offers this exactly”, Dalipi said.