In the framework of enhancing the economic cooperation between the two countries, Albanian and Kosovar Ministers of Economy signed on Monday “For Easing and Boosting Trade” agreement. The agreement foresees the elimination of all non tariff barriers between Albania and Kosovo, aiming to increase the trade exchanges.
The Albanian Minister of Economic Development Arben Ahmetaj stated at the end of the Albania –Kosovo joint meeting that the two countries have just established some significant basis of further cooperation. The agreement signed by the two respective Ministers came, according to Ahmetaj, after many consulting discussions and meetings of both countries’ experts, which focused on finding solutions for the problems and barriers the trade between the two countries is facing.
In 2014, the trade volume with Kosovo was 176.78 million EUR, about 17.8 ml EUR more than in 2013, according to the official figures. The Albanian exports increased by 15% during the past year, reaching the value of 134.1 million EUR, circa 7.3% of the total amount of Albania’s exports.
“Nowadays, in Albania operate 649 Kosovar businesses at an investment amount on 13.2 million EUR, circa only 0.46% of the total of Foreign Direct Investments and there is still much to be done,” declared Ahmetaj.
The signed agreement, added the Minister, is a legal instrument which predicts the taking of several specific measures and activities with the aim to boost and ease the trade between Albania and Kosovo. “Within the four next months, we will identify all products of mutual interest in the industry field and within July 30th of this year we will compile a joint plan of legal changes,” stated Ahmetaj.
News source/photo credits: ATA
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