The Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Ms. Rozeta Hajdari, participated in the 7th Wood Industry Convention, which marks an important moment for this key sector of the Kosovo economy.
Minister Hajdari emphasized in her speech that the wood industry represents an important component of the country's economic, social and environmental development, adding that through continuous growth and improvement of exports, this sector has directly influenced the reduction of the trade deficit and has marked great successes in international markets such as Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the USA and the wider region.
Minister Hajdari further emphasized that the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, in cooperation with the Association of Wood Processors and other industry and academic stakeholders, has drafted the Strategy for Industrial Development and Business Support – Industrial Policy 2030. This strategy, which is a part of the Kosovo Reform Agenda and the EU’s Western Balkans Growth Plan, has identified the wood and furniture industry as a “Rising Star” with high potential for development, contributing 10% to the value added of products and 20% of employment in the processing sector, Minister Hajdari emphasized.
In addition, Minister Hajdari underlined that the MIET has continuously supported micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in this sector through financial schemes for technology advancement, standardization, certification, digitization, and participation in international fairs such as Swiss Bau, Stockholm Furniture and the Thessaloniki Fair.
Finally, Minister Hajdari stressed that upon conclusion of the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement with the EFTA countries, the wood industry will gain full access to the markets of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. This agreement is expected to be signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025, creating new opportunities for Kosovar exporters and producers. The MIET remains committed to supporting and strengthening the wood industry as an important pillar of the economic development of our country.
