President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, visited today five municipalities of Kosovo, in order to discuss with their leaders the problems of economic development and challenges in this field, with special emphasis in attraction of foreign investments.
During the visits, Madam President was accompanied by the Chairman of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Safet Gërxhaliu, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Mr. Arian Zeka, and the Chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Albert Matoshi.
Mayor of the municipality of Klina, Mr. Sokol Bashota, Mayor of Istog, Mr. Haki Rugova, Mayor of Peja, Mr. Gazmend Muhaxheri, of Deçan, Mr. Rasim Selmanaj, and of Junik, Mr. Agron Kuçi, informed President Jahjaga with the situation in their respective municipalities, problems they are facing and with their respective development plans.
At a statement issued during the visits, President Jahjaga said:
After many meetings I have had during the end of year holidays with the Chairman’s of the Chambers of Commerce in Kosovo, with the Chairman of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, with the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce and with the Chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce, as well as with many investors, who have shown interest and see investment potential in various municipalities in Kosovo, many problems and difficulties were raised, be they of municipal or central level ones, which have made it either difficult or impossible for them to realize their investments in different municipalities around Kosovo.
With few exceptions and irrespective of the leadership of the municipalities, problems which they have discussed, with both chambers of commerce and investors alike, are almost identical problems at every single municipality; be they property problems, be they of the nature of tax policies of the municipal level or even problems due to lack of capacities of civil servants at municipality levels, but also those of cooperation between municipalities with similar specifics.
Today I have begin my visits at the Dukagjin region, and roughly by the end of this month I will be concluding visits to all municipalities of Kosovo. I had meetings in Klina, Istog, now in Peja and will be continuing with the municipalities of Junik and Deçan; We have had very fruitful discussion and we have closely analysed the situation with all mayors of mentioned municipalities.