Message from the Ambassador

Dear Visitor –  Thank you for taking the time to visit this page and learn more about both business opportunities in Kosovo and promoting U.S. business overseas.  Kosovo has made considerable progress since declaring independence in 2008.  Since then, Kosovo has worked to build necessary institutions of governance, adopt internationally recognized standards and legislation, and bolster a free-market.  Kosovo is a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), and enjoys free trade with all of its neighbors.  It has Preferential Trade Status with the EU and is eligible for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) privileges with the United States.  The government actively seeks to attract foreign investment, including through its adoption of a flat corporate tax of 10%.  Due in large part to its conservative fiscal, banking and budgetary practices, the IMF recently approved a substantial Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for Kosovo, valued at €107 million. 

With its central geographic position and modernizing public infrastructure system, Kosovo is connected to European and regional hubs.  The government has demonstrated its commitment to regional trade, industry, and tourism through a bold decision to invest in a major highway project, being constructed by the U.S.-Turkish Bechtel-Enka consortium, that will ultimately connect Kosovo’s northern border with Serbia to the Adriatic sea in Durres, Albania – and by doing so open Kosovo and the region to incalculable business and trade opportunities. 

Kosovo’s rich natural resources produce exciting development opportunities in the energy, mining, and agricultural sectors.  But that is just the beginning.  Many industry sectors in Kosovo remain underdeveloped, presenting excellent opportunities for foreign investors in the telecom, healthcare, manufacturing, and related sectors.  Kosovo’s human capital is just as impressive, many with U.S. and European educations.  Pristina is home to the American University in Kosovo, which is accredited by the Rochester Technical University in the U.S.  Kosovo’s slogan “Newborn” reflects the country’s status as the youngest in Europe with the youngest population in Europe.  Many young Kosovars speak fluent English and bolster the local demand for western culture and trends.  This interest has attracted various businesses, which have well-established presences here, particularly household American brands, such as Coca-Cola, RC Cola, Ford, General Motors, and Nike.

For the Kosovar investor, the United States remains the global economic leader and continues to be the most dynamic and diversified international market. From automobiles to high-end building products and from medical equipment to household name items, we welcome your confidence in importing America’s manufacturing. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you to identify business partner opportunities in the United States.