Prishtina, 15.01.2013 – The Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj, met with a delegation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), chaired by Jean-Marc Peterschmitt, Managing Director for Central and South-East Europe.

On this occasion, Beqaj stated that after the membership of the Republic of Kosovo in this financial institution better opportunities have been created to further strengthen the cooperation under the EBRD Strategy for Kosovo.

Minister Beqaj informed the EBRD delegation with the Government priorities related to economic development and ongoing projects, with special emphasis in energy, infrastructure, telecommunication, etc.

Beqaj also said that under energy projects special focus will be put in projects aimed at increasing energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources, and added that Kosova e Re Power Plant remains the main project in this sector.

Minister Beqaj also informed the EBRD senior officials on the ongoing preparations on the Conference on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency, and invited this financial institution to participate in the conference with the aim of supporting projects of both the private and public sectors, implemented in the central and local levels.

Economic Development Minister also requested EBRD involvement in telecommunication, and highlighted financing opportunities in financing infrastructural project aimed at improving the lives of Kosovo citizens, such as local roads infrastructure, water-supply, and wastewater and solid waste treatment.

From his part, EBRD Managing Director for Central and South-East Europe, Peterschmitt, informed Minister Beqaj on activities related to the drafting of the EBRD three-year strategy for Kosovo, and areas where EBRD aims to extend its activity in Kosovo.