On 17 March 2014, Group for Legal and Political Studies hosted a Panel Discussion on the following topic: “Foreign Direct Investments: How attractive is Kosovo compared to other countries in the region”. The panelists discussed the structure of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Kosovo and identified the challenges that impact the flow of FDI. In addition, the Panelists focused on the policies that impact investment climate and investors willingness to invest in Kosovo. Experiences from other regional countries were also part of the discussion. The panel discussion opened with the presentation of a Policy Report entitled: ‘How ‘friendly’ is Kosovo for Foreign Direct Investments: A Policy Review of Gaps from a Regional Market Perspective’. The Policy Report starts by reiterating the importance that an enabling investment climate has in helping Kosovo increase its attractiveness to both foreign and domestic investments. The Report, moreover, provides a brief theoretical discussion of the factors that mainly affect investors’ decisions as well as potential FDI effects in the country. The FDI profile of Kosovo and its position as compared to other SEE countries is presented in a separate section of the Report. In addition, the Report examines Kosovo’s potentials for investments, investment climate as well as scrutinizes the key deterrents of FDI in Kosovo, and elaborates the main types of investment incentives and compares such schemes to the SEE countries. Lastly, the Report offers a set of policy recommendations and solutions that would further develop Kosovo’s investment climate and the overall performance in attracting FDI.

Panelist in Attendance:
Mr. Bernard Nikaj, Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Government of Kosovo;
Ms.  Arberesha Loxha, Group for Legal and Political Studies, Kosovo

Moderator:
Mr. Fisnik Korenica, Group for Legal and Political Studies
Venue:

EU Information and Cultural Center,

Str.: ‘Mother Tereza’, nn, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo