At the second Steering Committee Meeting of the Project “Further Support to Trade Development in Kosovo”, funded by the EU, Minister of Trade and Industry, Endrit Shala emphasized that the overall objective of the project is the continuation and promotion of Kosovo`s integration in the world economy and strengthening the role of the state in economic governance.
The Minister stressed that the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has made the first step in the negotiation of the EFTA Trade Agreement, where in November last year, has been signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation, whereas in June 2018 a decision took place for applying to the WTO in the status of the observer member.
"A priority activity for MTI is drafting the Law on Internal Trade and the Law on Foreign Trade, therefore I thank the project for the support and expertise assisted in this field. Also, we expect support during the negotiations with the EFTA countries and on our way towards WTO membership, "said Minister Shala.
Shala stressed that this project has an ambitious agenda, adding that in the end everyone will be satisfied.
"Since we will do great work that will result in improving MTI capacities to negotiate and enforce trade policies, including the protection and enforcement of intellectual property, in line with international trade requirements and EU practices and in improving its capacity to support local producers, "said Minister Shala.
The minister said that we would be grateful if the mandate of the project lasts beyond July 2020.
"The Department of Trade and other relevant stakeholders need expert`s expertise from the EU and best international practices. For these and other activities within the project you have my constant support and I believe the same support will be provided by the project and the EU Office to MTI, "said Shala.
