Prishtina, April 16, 2025
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended this evening the reception organized by the German Embassy in Kosovo, on the occasion of the appointment of the new Executive Director of the German-Kosovar Chamber of Commerce (GKCC), Besnik Vasolli.
In his speech, the Prime Minister expressed his congratulations to Mr. Vasolli on his new assignment, and stated that “Germany has been, and continues to be, one of our most important partners, allies and friends. We greatly appreciate how our cooperation has grown – from building peace and democratic development to the current shaping of economic progress together.”
He added that the German-Kosovar Chamber of Commerce, as a platform for business, serves as a bridge between our countries and companies, while wishing Mr. Vasolli that under his leadership, support for German and Kosovar enterprises will continue, offering them access to opportunities in both markets, especially for Kosovo’s youth.
“With over half a million young people between the ages of 15 and 30, Kosovo is full of energy, creativity and potential. This potential grows best in a healthy ecosystem with strong institutions, justice and partnerships that are built on mutual trust and common goals. Just like our partnership”, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister then mentioned that Kosovo is the first in economic growth in the Western Balkans according to the World Bank, the first in improvements in the rule of law in the region and the second globally according to the World Justice Project, the second in Europe and the third globally for civil liberties according to Freedom House and the first in terms of electoral democracy in the Western Balkans according to the V-Dem Institute.
“Mr. Vasolli, your role will be key in bringing businesses closer together, helping them navigate both markets and showing that Kosovo is a place where good ideas and good people come together in an investor-friendly environment,” concluded Prime Minister Kurti.
Full speech by Prime Minister Kurti:
Honorable Ambassador Rohde,
Dear Mr. Vasolli,
Dear representatives of government and opposition,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a real pleasure to be with all of you here tonight. First of all, congratulations to Mr. Besnik Vasolli on your new role as Managing Director of the Kosovar-German Chamber of Commerce. You’re stepping in at an exciting time — a time when Kosova is moving forward, reforming and deepening its ties with its European partners.
Germany has been in particular, and continues to be, one of our most important partners, allies and friends. We truly value how our cooperation has grown — from peacebuilding and democratic development to now shaping economic progress together.
The Kosovar-German Chamber of Commerce, as a platform for business, serves as a bridge between our countries and companies. I wish for you, Mr. Vasolli, that under your leadership it will continue to support German and Kosovar enterprises alike — offering them access to opportunities in both markets, especially for the youth of Kosova.
With over half a million young people between the ages of 15 and 30, Kosova is full of energy, creativity and potential. That potential grows best in a healthy ecosystem: with strong institutions, fairness, and partnerships that are built on mutual trust and shared goals. Like the partnership we hold.
Let me mention some of the key ingredients of our future progress which are among us at present. Kosova is number one in real economic growth in the Western Balkans, 2023-2025, according to the World Bank, number one in rule of law improvements in the region and second globally according to World Justice Project. Second in Europe and third globally for civil liberties according to Freedom House and first in electoral democracy in the Western Balkans according to V-Dem Institute.
And business climate built for scale and agility is evident in these numbers:
– 10% corporate income tax
– 0% tax on dividends, imported machinery, and exports
– Around 700 euros average monthly wage – highly competitive labor costs
– 15% total tax burden (vs. 25% regional average)
– 6% average GDP growth over the last 4 years
– Investment volume is 36% of GDP (vs. 28% regional average)
– and definitely pro-business government committed to attracting export-oriented FDI and BPO services.
Not to forget ever-expanding dual education system, very promising to link labor market with professional education.
Mr. Vasolli, your role will be key in bringing businesses closer together, helping them navigate both markets, and showing that Kosova is a place where good ideas and good people come together in an investor-friendly environment. I’m sure the Chamber will continue to thrive with you at the helm. And I already know you through some people that I work close with, Luan Dalipi, my chief of staff and Glauk Konjufca, speaker of the Parliament.
Let’s use this evening to celebrate what we’ve already built — and to look ahead to everything we can still achieve, together. Therefore, cheers to Besnik, to the Chamber, to the excellent German – Kosovar relations and to all of you here tonight!
Last modified: April 17, 2025