Prishtina, 28 January 2013 – Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj, received today the non-resident Canadian Ambassador for Kosovo, and Ambassador in Zagreb, Louise LaRecque, accompanied by the Consul of the Canadian Ambassador in Zagreb, Bill McCrimmon. Topics of the meeting included further development of economic diplomacy between two countries and finding means to entice cooperation in various economic sectors. At the occasion, Minister Beqaj informed Ambassador LaRocque on the state of Kosovar economy, elaborating that the countries touched by the economic crisis are bound to emerge from them and start their economic revival.

“Kosovo needs foreign direct investments, which would stimulate the development of our private sector and hence increase the country’s domestic product,” said Beqaj, adding that all initiatives related to the provision of a sound legislative framework for the country’s strategic economic sectors.” Also, Minister Beqaj emphasized that the Government of Kosovo is committed to treat all interested foreign investments fairly and in conformity with the applicable legislation, while ensuring utmost transparency.

Also, the Head of MED informed Ambassador LaRocque on the organization of a donors’ conference on the energy sector, to be held during this year, and invited Canadian agencies and donor organizations to attend this conference.

For her part, Ambassador LaRocque praised Kosovo for its accomplishments since the declaration of independence, both in from politic and economic perspective, claiming that human resources represent one of Kosovo’s greatest assets.

Minister Beqaj also informed the Ambassador on potential investment opportunities in agriculture, information technology, tourism, energy efficiency and mining.