This convention brought together many manufacturing companies from the country and was used as a platform for discussion on economic cooperation between Kosovo and the countries of the region.
This edition was sponsored by the Promoting Private Sector Employment (PPSE) project, ProCredit Bank, the World Bank / International Finance Corporation (IFC), and supported by the PAN -Albanian Economic Forum. Partners who have continuously supported the manufacturing sector in Kosovo through their work.
The President of the Manufacturing Club Mr. Bashkim Osmani in his opening speech at the Convention of Kosovo Manufacturers stated that the Manufacturing Club will continue to be a partner of our institutions and will contribute to the development of the country.
He also stated that the Kosovo Manufacturing Club is for the free movement of goods, people and capital. He cited a several topics that he addressed to the new government and called for support of the manufacturing sector from the government.
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Albin Kurti, expressed his satisfaction that he was part of the Convention and expressed his gratitude for the very important work in promoting local manufacturers and products. He emphasized that our manufacturers are the determination of our society, not just to the economy, and despite the many difficulties and obstacles they face, both in number and in type, the producers have decided to invest and work in Kosovo.
“From me as prime minister and the government that I lead, you will have the highest attention, so I expect you will come out of this convention with recommendations that we will turn into concrete action.”
During his speech, he was focused on three issues, the government program in support of local manufacturers; in commercial and economic reciprocity; as well as the need for local production.
Astrit Panxha – Executive Director of the Manufacturing Club, in his speech, presented the program of Manufacturing Club for this year and said that the main focus will be on education and professional training, attracting foreign investment and as an important tool he mention to continue to promote the brand MADE in KOSOVA, as a brand that the Club has started as an initiative and proudly is being promoted everywhere.
Whereas, Visar Perani, the officer of the country in Kosovo from IFC, presented to the attendees the programs that IFC has for strengthening the manufacturing in the country, where it was stated that manufacturers are the heart of economic development in the country. He mentioned that Kosovo has advantages from the countries of the region, such as a good geographical position, low production cost, manpower and SAA are not enough utilized.
Also, during the Convention of Kosovo Manufacturers was signed the Code of Business against Corruption, where the members of the Manufacturing Club made the formal signing of this Code.
Through this Code, the members of the Manufacturing Club pledged to apply the most advanced standards of ethics, transparency and integrity in their business activities, to firmly avoid any form of corruption, gift-giving or other favors to public officers, or private individuals to obtain privileges or unlawful gain in favor of the company.