The Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade, and Innovation, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, attended the opening of the “Prishtina 2026” General International Fair, where she discussed new opportunities for cooperation and economic development with representatives from diplomatic institutions and the business community.
Present at the opening of the fair were the Ambassador of Albania, Petrit Malaj; Ambassador of Slovenia, Borut Blaj; Deputy Ambassador of Montenegro, Fedisa Daçiq; and President of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, Lulëzim Rafuna. Business representatives from Kosovo, Albania, and countries in the region also participated in the event.
Addressing the situation following the decision announced the previous day by the Special Court in the Hague, Minister Kusari-Lila emphasized the importance of unity, freedom, and justice for Kosovo and its citizens. She stated that freedom must be safeguarded and the state strengthened daily, noting that strengthening the economy is a crucial part of this process.
According to the Minister, the production sites, jobs are created, ideas are developed, and companies are built are also where the foundations of a stronger state are laid. In this regard, support for manufacturers, companies, innovative businesses, and women entrepreneurs is part of the country’s economic development policies.
During 2026, MIETI is implementing nine support schemes worth approximately €9.4 million, focusing on investments in machinery and technology, certification, innovation, creative industries, and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, 74 Kosovar companies have received support to participate in nine international trade fairs, where they showcased around 1,200 products and services produced and offered by local businesses.
Trade data indicate that during the January–May 2026 period, Kosovo’s exports increased by 17.5 percent, while imports rose by 5.8 percent. However, the trade deficit remains high; therefore, increasing domestic production and exports remains a key priority of economic policy.
In this regard, the CEFTA and EFTA agreements create new opportunities for Kosovar businesses to expand their markets. The EFTA agreement, which enters into force on 1 October, is expected to generate additional opportunities for accessing new markets, though the challenge lies in preparing local businesses to capitalize on these opportunities.
Minister Kusari-Lila emphasized that the objective remains to boost domestic production, expand exports, attract investment, and create new jobs.
“A stronger economy means a stronger Kosovo,” was the Minister’s message at the opening of the “Prishtina 2026” General International Fair.
