The acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the ceremonial dinner organized by the Global Albanian Business Network, where he presented to the attendees the economic vision and strategic projects of Kosovo for the coming years.
In his speech, Kurti praised the role of the Albanian diaspora in the country's economic development, emphasizing that the diaspora is no longer just contributing through remittances, but is becoming a key factor in development and investment.
"You are from that generation that knows both worlds. You have built a life in the outside world, mainly in the West, in Germany, Switzerland, the United States of America and other countries. You have learned the language, integrated and work according to the standards and discipline that those societies require. And yet, you have not forgotten where you came from," said Kurti.
He announced that remittances from the diaspora reach around 1.5 billion euros per year, which according to him constitutes approximately 1/7 of Kosovo's Gross Domestic Product.
Kurti emphasized that Kosovo's economy is recording stable growth of around 4 percent per year, while exports and foreign direct investments have doubled in recent years.
He also mentioned Kosovo's fiscal system as an advantage, with a 10 percent tax on corporations and personal income, as well as the lack of taxes on dividends, manufacturing machinery, and exports.
Speaking about future priorities, Kurti said that the main focus will be railway infrastructure, mentioning four main projects: the Pristina-Durrës railway, the railway corridor from Hani i Elezit to Leshak, the Prizren-Ferizaj-Gjilan-Bujanovac railway connection and the modern line that will connect Pristina International Airport "Adem Jashari" with the capital, writes. RTK.
He also announced investments in dams, stadiums, tourism projects and the defense sector, where, according to him, about 1 billion euros will be invested in the army and military industry, including the production of ammunition and drones.
Kurti also announced plans in the energy and mining sectors, mentioning lignite gasification and investments in Kosovo's mineral resources.
He dedicated an important part of his speech to the Information and Communication Technology sector, which he said already accounts for 6 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, with around 1,500 companies and 20 engineers and software developers.
Finally, Kurti called on diaspora businesses to invest in Kosovo and become part of the country's economic development.
"Unlike three decades ago, we no longer tell our compatriots to sacrifice to contribute, but to invest to benefit", he said.
