Minister Hoxha: SAA has a direct impact on economic development

Prishtine, April 01, 2019 – Minister of European Integration, Mrs Dhurata Hoxha, on the occasion of the third anniversary of entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the European Union (EU), with the organization of the American Chamber of Commerce, participated in discussion, considering the implementation of the SAA as a success and very important for the well-being of our citizens.

“The SAA represents the first contractual agreement between our state and the EU, whose main purpose is strengthening democracy and rule of law, institutional political and economic stability, deepening economic relations with EU countries, promoting international cooperation, including the harmonization of our legislation with that of the EU, the full transition to a functioning market economy, the gradual development of a free market space between Kosovo and the EU, and the promotion of regional cooperation, thanks to the fulfilment of these goals, “stated Minister Hoxha.

Specifically for our economic development, Minister Hoxha noted, special attention is given to reforms aimed at improving the climate of doing business, aligning our legislation with that of the EU in the field of economy – inter alia, creating preconditions for fair competition, increased foreign investments, free movement of goods, access of Kosovo businesses to the EU market etc.

The Minister pointed out the success of Kosovo in membership in international organizations such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) or South East Europe Regional Council (SEERC), signing and implementing over 131 cooperation agreements in various fields.

“Another indirect impact that SAA implementation has brought is economic growth. As a result of the SAA, there is an increase of export of Kosovo products, foreign investments and number of new businesses “, stated Minister Hoxha, pointing out also the considerable progress in improving the business environment by increasing Kosovo’s ranking to 40th in the world, out of a total of 190 countries.

“Also, Kosovo is the only European country among the 10 most reformed states during this reporting period,” stated the Minister, as well as undertaking measures such as increasing the number of prosecutors and judges as important factors for strengthening rule of law as well as budget growth by more than 65% compared to the 2016 budget.

The Minister underlined the close co-operation with the EU Office, as Kosovo is the second country in the world (per capita) that benefits most from EU funding through multiple programs and pre-accession instruments, adding that the SAA is more than a propulsion for reforms towards European integration, it is our best chance to improve the well-being of our citizens.

Last modified: August 5, 2022