Kosovo Profile
Kosovo declared independence in February 2008. With the subsequent international recognition by the world's leading democracies, Kosovo has removed the remaining obstacles for foreign investors.
However, key challenges remain, such as a big trade imbalance and high unemployment. The Government views the attraction of foreign direct investment as one of the key ways in which these challenges can be met and the objective of sustainable, long-term economic development realized. It is working hard to provide better conditions for all investors, domestic and foreign alike, with a 'win, win' mentality – an investment in Kosovo is seen as a win for the investor and a win for Kosovo.
| Geography | Land Area | 10.908 km² |
| Terrain | Low flood plains throughout central Kosovo, surrounded by mountains to the north, west and south. | |
| Land Use: | 53% agriculture, 39% forests | |
| Largest City | Prishtina - est. pop. 500,000 | |
| Population | Population Description | approximately 2.2 million people composed of about 90% Albanian, 5% Serbs, 2% Muslim Slavs (Bosniaks, Gorani), 2% Roma and 1% Turks |
| Languages | Albanian, Serbian, English | |
| Economic Description | Currency | EURO, GDP 2009: €3,792 billion, Per capita: € 1.731 |
| Inflation | average 2.2 % per annum over the past five years | |
| Financial Sector | Two tier Banking System consisting of Central Banking Authority of Kosovo and 8 private Banks, 10 Insurance companies and 2 pension schemes | |
| Enterprises | 87,960 SME in 2008, app. 47% of total SME engaged in trade industry. 500 Socially Owned Enterprises of which 300 already privatized | |
| Tariff duties | Customs duties: 10% on imports; Excise tax on fuel, tobacco alcohol and luxury goods. No duties and taxes on exports. Taxes in place: VAT 16%, Corporate Profit Tax 10 %, Wage Tax progressive max.10% | |
| Free trade | Customs-free access to the EU market based on the EU Autonomous Trade Preference (ATP) Regime, Customs-free access to the US market, Central European Free Trade Area – CEFTA | |
| Location factors | Competitive and well educated workforce, enviable natural resources (mining, agriculture), low taxes and a transparent tax system, high purchase power through remittances (app. 400 million € annually), customs free access to the EU and US market and CEFTA members market |
Latest News
Privatized textile factory starts production
The previously privatized factory "Kosovatex" in Prishtina has started ...Investors more interested in Kosovo after ICJ rule
Investment Promotion Agency of Kosovo and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, ...Tender for the privatization of Telecom Kosovo announced
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Kosovo has announced the expression ...OPIC representatives visiting Prishtina
Representatives of US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) have met ...Events
Economic Forum in Celje, Slovenia
07 - 09 September 2010Companies from Kosovo are supported by Ministry of Trade and Industry /Investment Promotion Agency of Kosovo to participate in The Economic Forum which will take place from 07-09 September, 2010 in Celje, Slovenia.
B2B meeting between Kosovo's companies and Swiss companies
15 September 2010The B2B meeting between Kosovo's companies and Swiss companies is supported by Ministry of Trade and Industry /Investment Promotion Agency of Kosovo. This event will take place from 15 September 2010 Geneva in Switzerland.
Zagreb international Autumn Fair
21 - 25 September 2010The Zagreb International Autumn Fair 2010 will take place from 21-25 September, 2010 in Zagreb, Croatia. In this fair Kosovo's companies will promote their products. This event is supported by Ministry of Trade and Industry /Investment Promotion Agency of Kosovo.
Tourism Fair "Promotion and sale of the touristic products of Kosovo"
30 Sept - 01 Otober 2010The tourism fair "Promotion and sale of the touristic products of Kosovo" will take place from 30 September - 01 October, 2010 in Tirana, Albania. Kosovo's companies during this fair will represent tourism package, handcraft product, legacy. This event is supported by Ministry of Trade and Industry /Investment Promotion Agency of Kosovo.