Pristina, 14.04.2018 – At the invitation of the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, Mr.  Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the Minister of Economic Development, Valdrin Lluka, attended the Annual Investment Meeting  in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 9-11 April 2018.

During the conference, Minister Lluka was hosted by Minister Al Mansoori with whom he discussed the necessity of increasing investments by companies from the United Arab Emirates, with an emphasis on energy, mining and water.

Minister Lluka, during the meeting, informed his counterpart on the measures undertaken by institutions of the Republic of Kosovo to support foreign investments and create facilities for foreign companies operating in Kosovo.

The two ministers agreed to finalize the signing of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Agreement for the Elimination of Double Taxation, as a basis to attract investments and create suitable conditions for investment companies.

In addition, during the conference, Minister Lluka held a separate meeting with the Minister of Economy of Sultanate of Oman, Al Sunaidi, and the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aisha Abubakar. Minister Lluka informed Minister Al Sunaidi and Minister Abubakar on the opportunities that Kosovo offers for investment, and asked his interllocutors to deepen cooperation in areas of common interest. Minister Lluka and Minister Al Sunaidi, respectively Minister Abubakar, agreed to initiate the signing of the agreement for the promotion and protection of investments between the Republic of Kosovo and the Sultanate of Oman, respectively the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

During his stay in the United Arab Emirates, Minister Lluka also held a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Mr.  Salif Al Ghurair, and President of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hamad Buam, from whom he asked for the promotion of opportunities offered by the Republic of Kosovo and to encourage companies from the Emirates to invest in Kosovo, with an emphasis on the Brezovica project, infrastructure and water.

Minister Lluka and President Al Ghurair agreed to develop the Joint Forum of Business this year, whith the aim of establishing a network and deepening the cooperation between Kosovo companies and those from the UAE. 

Moreover, Minister Lluka met with the EBA Prince and Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, who expressed interest in investing in renewable energy project and in energy in general. Meetings continued with the Chairman of the International Investors of the United Arab Emirates, Mr.  Jamal Saif Al Jarwan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Investment Fund, representatives of renowned companies, such as “Group Loukil”, “Jumairah Group”, “Dubai Investment” and “Lulu International”, which he informed on opportunities that Kosovo offers, and at the same time expressed the willingness and commitment of the Government of Kosovo to create facilities and favorable conditions for all companies that decide to invest in the Republic of Kosovo.

Finally, Minister Lluka gave an interview for the prestigious newspaper ‘Financial Times’ regarding the opportunities and challenges of Kosovo.