The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, in cooperation with partner institutions of the European Union member states, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Croatia and Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany has completed the Twinning Project of the European Union “Assistance for Implementing the Stabilization and Association Agreement – EU Services Directive 2006/123/EC”.
The Deputy Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Mentor Arifaj, has thanked the donors who have supported the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade for two years in the development of institutional capacities in creating a stable environment for the development of the private sector in line with the requirements of the Stabilization and Association process.
Arifaj has emphasized that support is of special importance that has assisted the ministry in the implementation of the Law on Services, by preparing the legal analysis for the harmonization of sectoral legislation with principles of the Law on Services and monitoring this process and also reforming the services sector through the digitalization process of administrative procedures for licensing professionals who provide services, – the creation of the Contact Point on Services.
"Establishing the Single Point of Contact is very important for Kosovo as it provides an electronic window that aims to facilitate service beneficiaries’ access to service activity and the necessary information on the equipment with legal permits and licenses necessary to develop their service activity. Moreover, this electronic platform will make it more attractive and accessible for local and foreign investors to obtain information about the requirements and procedures for starting an activity. The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade will continue to complete Single Point of Contact with services and information for regulated sectors, taking into account the Government's priority for reducing the administrative burden and digitizing processes. Therefore, in this regard, we welcome the support of donors (GIZ)", said Arifaj.
Whereas, the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kosovo, Joern Rohde, said that this project helps Kosovo in increasing its capacities and also in the reform towards the agenda in the EU.
"Germany has joined forces for this project in order to increase the capacities of MIET as well as witness Kosovo's path to reforms in accordance with the EU agenda. These things are very technical, but they are very good benefits that improve the business climate in Kosovo", said Ambassador Rohde.
Even the Deputy Head of Mission of the Croatian Embassy in Kosovo, Nedjeljko Shpilek, said that this project is very important, as it creates a stable basis for the development of the private sector in Kosovo.
"On this road to the EU, our cooperation with Kosovo is very valuable. We have very good relations with Kosovo, assisting it in many sectors and through many activities. The project has ensured the Government of Kosovo to further develop its institutional capacity to create a stable environment for the development of private sector in accordance with the SAA", said Shpilek.
Alessandro Bianciardi, deputy head for cooperation of the European Union Office in Kosovo, has assessed this project as successful, stressing that cooperation between the EU and Kosovo will continue.
"Today is also a key stage for fulfilling obligations arising from the SAA. This emphasizes the EU's commitment to Kosovo and a further step towards the EU as well as it strengthens relations with the EU", said Bianciardi.
