Kosovo has signed a Free Trade Agreement with the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.<\/p>\n
During the signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, EFTA representatives and Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, emphasized the mutual benefits this agreement will bring.<\/p>\n
The agreement opens numerous opportunities, including for the import and export of goods. Products originating from Kosovo can now be exported to EFTA countries without requiring local companies to pay customs tariffs.<\/p>\n
Until now, local producers have had to pay up to an additional 10% in customs duties.<\/p>\n
The agreement was reached after more than two years of negotiations. According to EFTA chairperson Cecilie Myrseth, Kosovo is the first country in the Western Balkans to include services in this agreement at its own request.<\/p>\n
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, stated that this agreement marks a new chapter in strengthening economic relations and advancing trade ties between Kosovo and EFTA member states.<\/p>\n
“The agreement we are signing today establishes a framework for trade relations between EFTA states and Kosovo, creating new opportunities by granting Kosovo access to EFTA markets. This opens new export possibilities for our businesses and deeper integration into the European economic framework, enabling us to compete on a broader scale,” Kurti said during the signing ceremony.<\/p>\n
The Kosovar Prime Minister expressed confidence that the agreement will benefit businesses, industries, and citizens alike.<\/p>\n
EFTA chairperson Cecilie Myrseth described the agreement as a significant step for Kosovo\u2019s integration into the global system.<\/p>\n
“I am confident that this will promote economic growth, creating opportunities for businesses and citizens on both sides,” she said.<\/p>\n
Last year, Kosovo recorded an economic growth rate of around 4% and a decline in inflation. However, the country continues to face a high level of imports compared to exports.<\/p>\n
Myrseth noted that in recent years, trade between EFTA countries and Kosovo has grown significantly, reaching over \u20ac176 million.<\/p>\n
“With the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, we can expect trade to grow even further,” she emphasized.<\/p>\n
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Kosovo has signed a Free Trade Agreement with the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. During the signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, EFTA representatives and Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, emphasized the mutual benefits this agreement will bring. The agreement opens numerous opportunities, including for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":75639,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[163,1803],"tags":[243,151],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n