Davos, 22 January 2025
The Free Trade Agreement between EFTA Member States and the Republic of Kosovo was signed at the Swiss House in Davos, attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari.
Also present were the respective ministers of the four EFTA member states, the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, the Liechtenstein Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport, Dominique Hasler, the Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Department for Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Guy Parmelin, the Permanent Secretary of State of Iceland, Martin Eyjólfsson, and the EFTA Secretary General, Kurt Jäger.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kurti expressed that it is an honor and pleasure that at the Swiss House in Davos we celebrate an important historical moment – the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Kosovo and the EFTA states.
“This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in strengthening economic ties and deepening trade relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the EFTA states”, said Prime Minister Kurti.
Expressing gratitude to the EFTA member states for their commitment and close cooperation during the negotiation process, the Prime Minister added that this agreement establishes a framework for trade relations between the EFTA states and Kosovo and will create new opportunities by giving Kosovo access to EFTA markets.
“It opens up new export opportunities for our businesses and deeper integration into the European economic framework, enabling us to compete on a wider scale. This agreement also reflects our shared commitment to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, environmental protection, good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility”, he said.
Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin said in his speech that with this government, with this ambitious free trade agreement, we are taking another important step in deepening economic relations between Kosovo and Switzerland.
The Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, said that a key point of the agreement is the comprehensiveness of trade and especially that of services, which was included in the later stages of the negotiations at the request of Kosovo. “This makes Kosovo the first country in the region that EFTA has included in the services sector in free trade agreements. I am convinced that this will drive economic growth forward, creating new opportunities for businesses, industries and citizens on both sides,” she stressed.
In addition, the Permanent Secretary of State of Iceland, Martin Eyjólfsson, stated that the agreement sets in motion a new phase of economic development and trade relations, which will create mutually beneficial connections and export potential for the future. He added that since Kosovo’s independence in 2008, Iceland has observed a growing economy in Kosovo, which he described as excellent growth especially in the last four years, and congratulated our country for such economic and democratic progress.
Expressing that this agreement, in addition to its economic importance, also has political significance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sports of Liechtenstein, Dominique Hasler, underlined the strengthening of relations with the countries of the Western Balkans, but also the importance of this agreement to support the further integration of Kosovo into the international order.
For her part, Minister Hajdari, in her address, underlined that this achievement is the result of tireless work, great effort and dedication of all those involved. We invite investors from EFTA countries to invest in Kosovo, to maximize their profits, by exploiting the great potential.
Prime Minister Kurti’s speech in English after the signing of the agreement:
Dear Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway/ EFTA Chair at ministerial level
Dear Dominique Hasler, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of Liechtenstein
Dear Guy Parmelin, Federal Councillor, Switzerland
Dear Martin Eyjólfsson, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iceland
Dear Kurt Jäger, Secretary-General EFTA,
Dear Rozeta Hajdari, Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Republic of Kosova,
Dear friends, distinguished guests,
It is an honor and pleasure to be here today, at the “House of Switzerland” in Davos to celebrate a significant milestone – the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Kosova and the EFTA states. This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in strengthening economic ties and enhancing trade relations between the Republic of Kosova and EFTA states.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the EFTA member states for their dedication and close cooperation during the negotiation process. The agreement we are signing today establishes a framework for the trade relations between the EFTA States and Kosova and will create new opportunities by granting Kosova access to EFTA markets. It opens new export possibilities for our businesses and deeper integration into the European economic framework, enabling us to compete on a broader scale.
This agreement also reflects our shared commitment to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, environmental protection, good corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility.
Kosova has achieved impressive progress in the last four years with consistent economic growth averaging 6% of GDP and never falling below 4%. Inflation has steadily declined, last year dropped to 1.6%, contributing to a stable and sustainable economic environment. We rank in the top five countries with the highest Foreign Direct Investment growth, as reported by FDI Intelligence. In 2024, Kosova’s economy marked, for the first time, an increase of nearly 50% compared to 2019. Exports have doubled, and the export-import ratio improved from 1:9 to 1:6.
In a climate where many democracies across our continent have experienced democratic crises in recent years, Kosova stands out as the most democratic country in the region of Western Balkans six, as confirmed by World Justice Project, Transparency International, Freedom House, and V-Dem institute.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the governments of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland for their unwavering support for our country.
We are confident that this agreement will bring lasting benefits for businesses, industries, and citizens of all our countries.
Thank you and congratulations!
Last modified: January 23, 2025