7 minutes agoKosovo's number of new businesses rises, alarming signal for economy
Periskopi(2 hours ago)
(2 hours ago)The number of new companies registered in Kosovo has marked decline on both monthly and annual basis, raising questions about the business climate and the willingness of citizens to invest in new economic activities.
According to Statistical Commentary on Economic Enterprises published by the Kosovo Statistics Agency (ASK), over the month of May 2026 new companies have been registered, or 1.4 percent less than, in April. Even more disturbing remains the comparison with the same period last year, where the number of new businesses has dropped by 16.9 percent.
In the economy, opening new businesses are considered one of the main indicators of citizens' trust and investors' market. For this reason, the steady decline in the number of new companies is seen as a development that merits attention, especially at a time when institutions continue to promote economic development and support of the private sector.
The data shows that the preferential business registration sector remains the majority and retail trade, including auto repair and motorcycles, with 278 companies or 25.1 percent of total. After it are ranked accommodation and food services with 126 companies, construction with 119 and production with 105 companies.
However, the structure of new businesses continues to indicate a lack of larger investments. Out of the 1,108 companies registered during May, 1,101 are micro-conventions of up to nine employees, while only seven are small companies with 10 to 49 workers. No high or large enterprises have been registered.
This situation suggests that the economy continues to rely mainly on small family businesses and self-employment, while lack investments that would create larger jobs and have greater impact on economic development.
As for regional distribution, Pristina continues to dominate with 523 new companies, followed by Prizren with 130, Ferizaj with 110, Mitrovica with 100, Gjilan with 86, Gjakova with 83 and Peja with 76 companies.
The decline in the number of new businesses and the lack of large and medium-sized enterprises present a signal that economic institutions should not ignore. Instead of falling, the economy would have to mark continued growth in investments and new enterprises, as they are considered the engine of economic development, employment and increased competitiveness of the country.
