Trade exchanges between Albania and Kosovo during 2015

Tirana, January 5, 2015

Trade exchanges between Albania and Kosovo have increased by EUR 20 million more during 2015, compared to 2014. This was declared by the Albanian Ambassador to Prishtina, Qemal Minxhozi in a press interview, stating that 2015 has been a successful year in this regard. During 2015, Kosovo exports to Albania were estimated at a value of EUR 60 million while Albanian imports were estimated at the value of EUR 200 million.

Minxhozi declared that the mutual economic activity has increased in terms of exports and imports as well, mainly agricultural products. Despite this, businesses of both countries have still faced bureaucratic barriers in cross bordering points.

Speaking for the tourism sector, Minxhozi declared that this sector increased as well during 2015. Kosovar tourists are more attracted to the Albanian Riviera while Albanian tourists prefer to visit Kosovo during winter for its winter sports complexes and resorts.

Minxhozi expressed optimism for the trade developments in 2016 between the two countries since, according to him, the two governments are showing commitment in reducing the procedural barriers in order to increase trade exchanges. According to him, one of the biggest achievements of the two countries during 2015 was the finalization of the energy project which is expected to inaugurate within the first half of 2016.

News source/photo credits: ATA