Washington, 27 September 2012 – The Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj, held today a lecture at the John Hopkins University in Washington, in which he presented a chronology of the state-building process from 1999 to date, as well as the challenges and economic perspective Kosovo faces.

In the lecture moderated by Daniel Serwer, member of the Center for Transatlantic Relations, Minister Beqaj emphasized that since the declaration of independence in 2008, Kosovo oriented its policies towards economic transformation and increased and sustainable economic growth.

After presenting an overview of Kosovo’s economy, the Head of MED underscored the main orientations of the Government of Kosovo, such as preservation of the macro-fiscal sustainability, improvement of the investment environment, support to the private sector, development of the public infrastructure, revitalization of the agricultural sector and development of human capital.

Beqaj emphasized that the main potential development sectors include energy, mines, telecommunications, wood-processing and metal-processing industries, etc. while adding that institutions have formalized their cooperation with business associations, through the establishment of the National Economic Development Council, with the aim of strengthening further the private sector.

Moreover, he spoke on the privatization process and projects that are currently under development, while confirming the engagement of the Government to the conduct of this process in conformity with international standards. In this, the Government enjoys great support by the relevant international mechanisms.

Minister Beqaj said that Kosovo remains committed to its membership in the European Union, thus, it is conducting all necessary reforms towards the fulfillment of all required criteria that mandate EU accession.

The lecture of Minister Beqaj at the John Hopkins University in Washtington is held as part of his official visit in the USA, which included his participation in the Investors’ Conference in Washington, during which he presented investment possibilities in Kosovo to all potential investors.