Minister Ismajli made these comments today in the Conference “The Role of Public-Private Dialogue on Economic Development in Kosovo”, organized by Deloitte, American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo and MDA, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Mimoza Kusari – Lila, Finance Minister Beqaj and representatives of the business community.

Minister Ismajli said that the concept of the public-private dialogue is not a new concept. This concept in almost all countries of the world, with the exception of some dictatorial countries, is recognized as one of the mechanisms to promote and support the development of those countries.

He said that given the role of the public-private dialogue in Kosovo which is the topic  of this meeting, we must see the perspective of potential benefits of such dialogue, including: facilitation of reforms which are aimed at improving the investment climate; promotion of better assessments of the investment climate issues and planning of policy reforms; facilitation of implementation of policy reforms; promotion of transparency, good governance and strict cost-benefit analyses, also exerting a pressure on public oversight; and, establishment of mutual trust and understanding between the public and private sector, improving social cohesion and civil society.

Minister Ismajli has committed that as head of the economic development, he will work hard to become a worthy partner in the process with Deputy Minister Kusari-Lila, and Minister Beqaj, business, civil society, donor agencies, and all other relevant stakeholders supporting Kosovo towards a sustainable economic development.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Mimoza Kusari – Lila, from her part, stated that increasing investments and improving the business environment for executive policymakers are among the main objectives.

According to her, the Government is working hard to strengthen the existing system of the open market ensuring that Kosovo is a respected partner, that Kosovo has a strong image, and that it is seen as a stable country well integrated in the region, EU and globally, despite the numerous challenges in the transformation into a market economy.

Minister of Finance, Besim Beqaj, said that due to a commitment and extraordinary engagement of EU in building capacities in the Ministry of Finance and with the Government of Kosovo, the Government has set up a very well-balanced fiscal system, which enables the country to operate without difficulties, and allows good development opportunities. He said that fiscal policies applied by Kosovo are competitive with regional countries.

On the other hand, Jose Ceron, from Deloitte, stated that developing the business environment is not a one-time activity, but rather an ongoing process.

He said that their approach towards the business environment is to determine the business life cycle. First phase is the business startup, second phase, making it operational, and third phase, moving away from the market or business.

Ceron said that the public-private dialogue usually provides a more accountable structure.