Prishtina, 30. 03. 2012 – The local business community granted its support for the country’s energy projects, with special emphasis on projects that contribute to sustainable energy supply, advance utilization of renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency.

This conclusion derived from the meeting that the Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj, held today with business representatives, also attended by representatives of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, Kosovo Business Alliance, American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, Turkish Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, British Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, French Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, and by the senior management of Kosovo Energy Corporation.

Central topics of the meeting included energy projects and problems faced by businesses regarding energy supply, and resulted in KEK’s commitment to decrease business prepayments to 15 percent.

Minister Beqaj underlined that the Government of Kosovo’s basic priority is the country’s economic development and provided a number of projections on last year’s development dynamics, while emphasizing that energy remains one of the most significant matters.

Among energy sector’s fundamental priorities, Beqaj underscored security of electricity supply as a key prerequisite for the country’s economy and citizens, and elaborated on the development of energy projects in the country, in conformity with international standards and obligations that Republic of Kosovo holds based on its adherence to the Energy Community Treaty (EnCT).

While responding to concerns brought up by businesses, the head of MED expressed the readiness of the institution he heads to address their problems, in cooperation with KEK, with the aim of finding an optimal solution for their concerns.

For her part, Deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Mimoza Kusari – Lila, said that the Government remains committed to increasing the country’s energy capacities, adding that no business activity can be undertaken normally if there is a lack of secure and stable energy supply.

“Hence, I wish to ensure you that the Government is committed to being active in the field of energy and mining, in order to overcome challenges Kosovo faces,” said Kusari-Lila.

In the meeting, business representatives raised the issues of (A+) category energy supply for businesses, prepayment and damages caused to them as a consequence of interrupted supply of electricity.