At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a business delegation of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina to stay in Kosovo from 24 to 25 April 2025, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and opening new business opportunities between the two countries.
This, for many, historic visit came after the decision of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to unilaterally abolish visas for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 01 January this year, thereby enabling the unhindered flow of people and goods for the benefit of both countries.
During this visit, 40 businesspeople from 28 companies from various sectors of the BiH economy had the opportunity to present their products and services and establish contacts with potential partners from Kosovo.
The first day of the visit began with a ceremonial reception at the Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Albin Kurti together with Deputy Prime Minister for Minority Issues and Human Rights Emilja Rexhepi and Chief of Staff Luan Dalipi, emphasizing the importance of strengthening mutual economic relations and regional cooperation.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti shared key information about Kosovo’s economic policies aimed at creating a favorable business environment and attracting investment, emphasizing that there is no dividend tax in Kosovo, no export tax, while the highest tax rate is only 10%, making the Kosovo system one of the most competitive in the region.
In addition, he pointed out the importance of cooperation between young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo in the field of digital services, where there is potential for joint action within the European market. He emphasized the role that business communities of both countries can play, as they have the potential to increase trade and create investment partnerships, from which both Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina will benefit jointly.
He added that increasing trade flows and reducing logistical barriers creates a business environment for cooperation that benefits both countries. Kurti said that the decision to unilaterally allow citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter the territory of Kosovo only with biometric identity cards, which comes into force on 1 January 2025, serves as an incentive and a positive influence on free movement and relations between the two countries.
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mirsad Jašarspahić addressed those present, thanking the hosts for their hospitality and years of cooperation, emphasizing the great importance of the Chamber’s joint activities with CEOKOS and its director Bekim Xhaf, which, among other things, contributed to the abolition of 100% customs duties on goods of Bosnian and Herzegovinian origin as well as to the unconditional support in organizing the participation of BiH businessmen at the Agrokos fair continuously over the past
ten years, through which the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina persistently lobbied for visa liberalization.
Bilateral meetings with businesspeople from Kosovo, led by the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari, were preceded by presentations of economic potentials in which Deputy Prime Minister Emilija Redžepi, Vice President of PKFBiH Mirsad Jašarspahić and Minister of Economy of ZDK Samir Šibonjić participated.
In the mission of the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Mirsad Jašarspahić and Emir Pašić, the following companies expressed interest in participating in this business delegation following the previously published public call: BH Telecom, Centrotrans Sarajevo, LB profili d.o.o. Tešanj, Prevent d.o.o. Srebrenica, Klas d.d. Sarajevo, Swity d.o.o. Gradačac, Deling d.o.o. Tuzla, Promo d.o.o. Donji Vakuf, Bosna-S d.o.o. Sarajevo, MBA Centar d.o.o. Sarajevo, Alma Ras d.o.o. Olovo, Inelex d.o.o. Sarajevo, AD Harbi d.o.o. Sarajevo, Plastex d.o.o. Gračanica, MGV Gradnja d.o.o. Zavidovići, Alternativa d.o.o. Sarajevo, Tisakomerc d.o.o. Žepče, Elcom d.o.o. Tuzla, Helana d.o.o. Kalesija, SU-AD d.o.o. Živinice, Kakanjmontage d.o.o. Kakanj, Glovis d.o.o. Zenica, Transagent d.o.o. Sarajevo, craftsman Mensur Bektić, Eurokapija – Akta.ba, Ministry of Economy of ZDK headed by Minister Samir Šibonjić.
On the margins of this business event, meetings were held between the general director of BH Telecom, Amel Kovačević, and the director of Telecom of Kosovo, Hana Burbuqe, within the B2B meetings of businesspeople from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Kosovo.
At the ceremonial dinner held in honor of BiH businesspeople in Prizren, Deputy Prime Minister Emilija Redžepi, who comes from the Bosniak community, invited businesspeople to greater cooperation and investment in Kosovo, especially in Prizren, where, as she emphasized, they will have strong support from the authorities and the local community.
Summarizing the results of this business visit, it can be concluded that the first major step has been taken towards establishing closer business cooperation that should ultimately lead to greater exports, increased investment and the development of joint projects.
The good response of companies and interest from both countries is the best confirmation of their readiness to seize the opportunity and develop business cooperation for the benefit of the entire region.
