Prishtina, 03 July 2013 – Ideas for economic revival of the Kosovo’s mining and mineral giant ‘Trepça’ were presented on Tuesday by the Government of Kosovo, assessing that this enterprise should not be privatized, but rather undergo a restructuring and reorganization process that will provide for the giant’s reinstatement to serve Kosovo’s economy.

A number of alternatives were proposed to a wider audience present in the event, all pertaining to the restructuring of Trepça, division of core and non-core assets, and placement of the Government in a leading position, thus enabling the attraction of international investors for developing profitable potentials.

The Minister of Economic Development, Fadil Ismajli stated that ‘Trepça’ is in a status quo and the Government and the Assembly are called to valorize its resources and return this giant to the citizens.

Minister Ismajli emphasized that ‘Trepça’ has went through difficult times and continues to represent a politic and financial problem, bearing in mind the requests that this enterprise has.

During this public hearing, the First Deputy-Prime Minister, Behgjet Pacolli, presented the best vision and alternative to move forward with the economic giant – ‘Trepça’. This option, according to him, represents a feasible solution that is beneficial for both Kosovo citizens and its economic development. This is the option that best valorizes ‘Trepça’, protects the interest of the country, citizens and the company’s staff. Moreover, it would not burden the Kosovo budget in any manner and would better manage the issue of creditor requests and funding for the revival of Trepça.

Currently, Trepça is under reorganization by the Kosovo Privatization Agency (KPA) and the Special Chamber of the Supreme Court, whereas the Assembly and Government of Kosovo have no influence on its management.

During this debate, the Government of Kosovo called upon the public and local experts to present their views and ideas on the restructuring and reorganization of Trepça within one month, during July of this year.

The public debate was organized by the Ministry of Economic Development, in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy-Prime Minister of Kosovo, Behgjet Pacolli, and Deputy-Prime Minister, Mimoza Kusari, in the presence of international diplomats accredited in Prishtina, World Bank representatives and representatives of other international financial institutions, civil society, and local and international businesses.