Prishtina, 12 December, 2023
The first Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Development and Dialogue of the Republic of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, participated in the event held within the framework of the publication of the “White Book 2023” by the Council of European Investors. This document provides recommendations and strategic suggestions from different sources and different sectors within the private sector.
In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi said that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, since the beginning of the mandate, has emphasized two main goals: work and justice. An important component in promoting these objectives, and especially in increasing employment, is the increase in foreign investments. Macroeconomic indicators, especially those related to the increase in employment and foreign investments in this mandate, have marked a significant increase.
He added that the recommendations of this publication will serve as a guide for us to see in which areas we can do even more. Kosovo offers an attractive environment for doing business, and facilities and incentive measures such as business registration without administrative costs or quick business registration in just two days.
Other important steps have been taken to facilitate the environment for doing business, such as maintaining the same tax rate for corporations, but also employees, at the same time when the budget revenues from these taxes have increased. Also, and through the essential reform of reducing the administrative burden, we are reducing and simplifying most of the procedures for granting or obtaining licenses, as well as a large part of public services addressed to the business community, now in a simplified form can be accessed in the form electronic.
Through the increase in the performance of the tax and customs administration, we have greatly reduced the informality in the economy, and this means for businesses that there is a more suitable and equal ground in the environment of doing business. The establishment of the Commercial Court, which enables the faster handling of disputes between businesses, is another positive aspect that in previous reports was among the biggest concerns.
Access to credit or finance has multiplied, and as an example, last year we had over 2.9 billion euros in business lending, which is about 100% more than four years earlier.
Currently, Kosovo is in continuous negotiations for the Growth Plan, through which we plan to have access to around 950 million euros from the EU, where the majority are soft loans that will be used for investment projects. This is also of interest to the business community, and especially to foreign investors.
In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi emphasized that the government is making maximum efforts to ensure that the recorded economic growth is sustainable and equally distributed to all citizens of the country and actors of society.
The ambassador of Germany, Jorn Rohde, the ambassador of France, Olivier Guerot, the ambassador of Slovenia, Minca Benedejcic, the head of the EU office in Kosovo, Tomas Szunyog, as well as other diplomatic representatives and civil society actors were present at this event.
Last modified: December 13, 2023