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Kosovo signs Free Trade Agreement with EFTA, Kurti: New export opportunities open for our businesses

Kosovo signs Free Trade Agreement with EFTA, Kurti: New export opportunities

Kosovo has signed a Free Trade Agreement with the european Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, which are iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. At the signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, EFTA members and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the agreement would bring two-way benefits.

The agreement offers numerous opportunities, including for importing and exporting goods. Products originating from Kosovo will be exprotuted in EFTA countries and local companies will not have to pay customs fees for them.

So far, local producers have been forced to pay up to 10 percent additional customs duties. The agreement was reached after more than two years of negotiations and according to EFTA chairperson Cecilie Myrseth, Kosovo is the first country in the Western Balkan region to include services in this agreement, at its request.

Kosovo's Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, said that with this agreement the chapter of strengthening economic relations, but also of advancing trade relations between his country and EFTA members.

"The agreement we sign today establishes a framework for trade relations between EFTA states and Kosovo and will create new opportunities by giving Kosovo access to EFTA markets. Here open new export opportunities for our businesses and deeper integration into the European economic framework, enabling us to compete on a large scale" said Kurti during the signing ceremony.

The Prime Minister said he is convinced that this agreement will bring benefits to businesses, industries and citizens. EFTA Chairperson Cecilie Myrseth said that this agreement is a great achievement for Kosovo's integration into the global system.

"I am convinced that this will push economic growth forward, creating opportunities for new businesses and citizens on both sides," she said.

Last year, Kosovo recorded economic growth of about 4 percent and a decline in inflation. But the country faces a high level of import compared to export. Myrseth from EFTA said that in recent years, trade between EFTA countries has grown greatly and has reached over 176 million euros.

"With the agreement being signed, we can expect trade to grow even further," she said.

EFTA said that in addition to financial services, intellectual property rights are included. Kosovo said that with such agreements it aims to attract foreign investors to invest in the country. EFTA was established in 1960 with the aim of promoting free trade.

The Free Trade Agreement has also been signed with central European countries (CEFTA). The agreement, which is part of the Western Balkans and Moldova, aims at increasing trade in goods and services, eliminating trade barriers between the parties and attracting investment.

 

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2025-02-15 13:01:41