Pristina, 3 July 2023
“Our country is European, without a doubt. Our government is wholeheartedly dedicated to European values such as democracy and the rule of law, and integration into European organizations such as the EU and the Council of Europe. And what follows is our diverse evaluation and dedication: we value public-private dialogue as a tool for better policies, we address business associations as actors and partners for change, and we welcome European capital as a driving force for economic growth in Kosovo,” said Prime Minister Kurti, in the commemoration note of the 9th anniversary of the establishment of the European Investors Council.
On this special day, the Prime Minister Kurti spoke about the opportunities that the Republic of Kosovo offers, its developmental potential, the work, and achievements of the Government.
The government has undertaken to carry out reforms in a transparent and democratic manner, including engagement in important dialogue with the private sector. Business associations such as the European Investors Council participate in consultations and seminars, which we carefully design to encourage communication and inform decision-making.
“The Republic of Kosovo is an ideal choice for investors. “Our geographical location, talented youth, and clean government create numerous opportunities to be part of transformative projects,” added Prime Minister Kurti.
“Our path is clear. It is the European one. And we go on this mission together,” said Prime Minister Kurti at the end of his speech.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Emrush Ujkani, CEO of the European Investors Council,
Honorable Johannes Stenbaek Madsen, Head of Cooperation Section at the EU Office in Kosovo,
Honorable Eriola Bibolli, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the European Investors Council,
Honorable Excellencies, Ambassadors, and representatives of diplomatic missions in Kosovo,
Honorable members of the government cabinet,
Honorable guests,
Congratulations!
I would like to wish all of you a happy ninth anniversary of the European Investors Council in the Republic of Kosovo.
Our country is European, without a doubt. Our government is wholeheartedly dedicated to European values such as democracy and the rule of law, and integration into European organizations such as the EU and the Council of Europe. And what follows is our diverse evaluation and dedication: we value public-private dialogue as a tool for better policies, we address business associations as actors and partners for change, and we welcome European capital as a driving force for economic growth in Kosovo.
We are living in encouraging times and we are working to make the most of it. International rankings and reports acknowledge and recognize our progress, and the numbers attest to our work. The country is experiencing its strongest economic growth in its history, with an average rate of 7 percent per year since we took office in 2021 and at least 4 percent for this year.
With annual exports now exceeding €1 billion, our export-import ratio has narrowed from almost 1 to 9 (in 2019) to less than 1 to 6 (in 2023). We have doubled foreign direct investments, with a total of 1.2 billion euros over two years and 772 million euros recorded in 2022 alone.
Our tax revenues have almost doubled – by two thirds or one billion euros – all while keeping our tax rates unchanged. During the two years in office, the state budget increased by three-quarters of a billion euros (760 million to be precise), while the economy grew by 2.1 billion euros. It previously took three times as long to achieve such increases under previous governments.
We are convinced that change can happen, that the rule of law is imperative to serve us all, and that government can effectively and efficiently contribute to prosperity. We have initiated numerous reforms to this end and are working on many more together with our business community.
We systematically review our laws and regulations to update them in line with EU legislation, to reflect the needs of a growing society, and to reduce administrative burden for businesses and individuals.
We have established the Commercial Court of Kosovo to assist in resolving business disputes, to enforce property and contract laws, and to release the necessary capital for growth. We have approved the Draft Law on Sustainable Investments to establish the Investment and Export Agency, as the first fully equipped institution in the country to support investors in all phases of the investment process. The Sovereign Fund of the Republic of Kosovo is being established to manage assets in public ownership and to partner with the private sector through two important activities: firstly, by attracting private capital into state-owned companies, and secondly, by injecting public funds into private businesses with export and production potential.
We are guided by one simple truth: to have a strong state with an agile government. And we have undertaken to carry out reforms in a transparent and democratic manner, including engagement in important dialogue with the private sector. Business associations such as the European Investors Council participate in consultations and seminars, which we carefully design to encourage communication and inform decision-making.
It is through a participatory process – replacing passive spectators with active players – that we can provide what is needed for a strong and modern economy.
The Republic of Kosovo is an ideal choice for investors. Our geographical location, talented youth, and clean government create numerous opportunities to be part of transformative projects.
The energy transition ranks high on the list of priorities. We have approved an ambitious but achievable Energy Strategy, aiming to increase renewable energy by 1300 MW by 2031. With a $202 million grant from the US Millennium Challenge Corporation, we are establishing a 170 MW storage facility — among the largest in Europe. Our first renewable energy auction is underway as we seek bids for a 100 MW solar park, ensuring land access and a long-term energy purchase agreement. More auctions and projects to come as we plan to use our abundant wind and solar to generate power for businesses and households.
Our path is safe with our new industrial policy, which prioritizes sectors with high potential and promotes competitiveness through an integrated approach. Businesses are reassured by our ongoing inspection reform and our progress in digitization. Information and Communication Technology brings great pride to our country, with European reports ranking Kosovo among the most talented and competitive in this sector. Even the most remote settlements are now connected to broadband Internet, placing Kosovo among the most advanced countries in Europe in terms of connectivity.
Our hope is to get closer – at any cost. We are conducting a feasibility study for a railway that connects Prishtina with the port of Durres in Albania, and we plan to build a green port specifically in Kosovo to make it a trading center for the region and a valuable asset for Europe.
So let’s celebrate your anniversary and our future.
Our path is clear. It is the European one. And we go on this mission together.
Last modified: July 5, 2023