2 July 2013
Speech by Prime Minister Thaçi at the meeting of the National Council on Economic Development
Thank you honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, Ms Kusari-Lila
Honorable deputy prime ministers,
Honorable ministers,
Honorable representatives of the business community,
Honorable participants,
It is my great pleasure today to remind you of the extraordinarily good news about the Government of the Republic of Kosovo’s economic achievements over this period.
The Republic of Kosovo is now closer to membership in the European Union.
Last week, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo was informed by the European Union of their decision to open negotiations for a Stabilization and Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kosovo.
This agreement is the foundation on which the European future of the Republic of Kosovo will be built.
As Prime Minister of the country, I would like to express my great appreciation to all those who contributed and who will contribute to successfully concluding this agreement in record time.
The Agreement includes not only political, but also economic affairs, namely issues relating to economic development and trade.
Therefore, the success in implementing this agreement will be reflected in increased quality and security of the business environment for all investors, be they domestic or foreign.
In addition, this success will be reflected in economic growth and sustainable development.
And, as we all know, the latter will both have a positive impact on the social and material welfare of citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
Since our last meeting, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has also made progress in the economic aspect by becoming a member of the European Investment Bank.
Considering the priorities of this bank, which is the largest multi-lateral lender by volume, the Republic of Kosovo will benefit, among other things, in these areas:
– The development of small and medium sized enterprises,
– Improving and completing the transport infrastructure,
– Improving and completing the energy infrastructure,
– Promoting innovation through investment in communication and information technology, and
– Environmental protection.
Based on an economic chain effect, all these projects will help to create new opportunities for investment, growth and sustainable economic development, creating new jobs and raising people’s living standards.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo has been extraordinarily successfully in the macro-economic respect, including macro-fiscal stability and sustainability.
We received a positive evaluation from the International Monetary Fund during the regular review of the implementation of the Stand-by Agreement. As part of this, the Fiscal Rule was drafted and it will soon enter into force.
During 2012, the Kosovo economy marked growth of about 3.9% which is much higher than countries in the region.
Furthermore, according to the latest report of the World Bank, the Republic of Kosovo is expected once again to achieve the highest economic growth in the region.
Honorable participants
We will continue with the work of improving the business environment, lowering the cost of doing business and the non-financial costs.
Through fiscal reforms, which are being implemented we expect to reduce the tax burden and thus to directly reduce the cost of doing business.
We will continue with new capital projects to complete the transport infrastructure. We will cooperate closely with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as well as with the European Investment Bank.
We have increased the intensity of work in the energy sector for the purpose of securing a regular supply of energy as well as modernizing and expanding the heating system.
We will continue with easing the processes relating to doing business. This is an area in which we have achieved progress according to the World Bank report.
Today, honorable participants, you will be discussing the draft law on inspections, on the regulation of foreign workers in the labor market, as well as the European Training Foundation.
All these issues directly relate to strengthening the free market economy, improving market competition, regulating and supporting the labor market, by better preparation of the labor force for the needs of the market.
The progress marked in this field shows that the economic policies of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo have been effective and successful in creating conditions for economic growth and development, for the creation of new jobs and improvement of material and social welfare for all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
Honorable participants
Honorable deputy prime minister
Let me conclude by thanking you for your intensive cooperation up to now and as always, by encouraging you to engage in closer public-private cooperation on the path toward improving the business environment.
Last modified: July 31, 2022