Konfindustria urges closer cooperation with neighboring Kosova

TIRANA, June 2 – The Konfindustria association of businesses appealed to the government to provide more assistance and support in trade with neighboring Kosova.
The association expressed its concern about the low rate of exchange.
“The political decision-makers in both countries are not making the necessary efforts on exploiting the many possibilities of cooperation, and not responding to the desire and will of industries, businesses and citizens,” according to a statement.
The group praised the government dedication to building the new highway link with Kosova and further extending it to Serbia, including other joint projects in energy, but added that the other part of the two countries’ relations remained mired in planning and discussions.
Kosova, which declared its independence in February, is vitally important to Albania since most tourists visiting the country are ethnic Albanians from Kosova or Macedonia, as well as expatriate Albanians returning from other parts of Europe.
The government has said that the new highway link will serve to connect Albania with Kosova, Serbia and central Europe, as well as the region with Western Europe through the port of Durres.
Albania and Kosova hope to one day join the European Union and NATO.
Trade exchanges between the two countries remains in the tens of millions of Euros at a time when both countries have, themselves, a high trade deficit.
Konfindustria said authorities in both countries should work to overcome difficulties businesses find with infrastructure, institutions, administration, fiscal and other obstacles, including corruption.
Lastly, Konfindustria suggested creating a joint market area along with efforts of integrating into the European bloc. It suggested creating an open Albanian market that would be further expanded in the region, a move that would be greatly appreciated by Europe, which urges such actions before countries become members of the EU and NATO.