Embassy of the United States Pristina, Kosovo

Exporting to Kosovo
President Obama announced the National Export Initiative (NEI) http://www.export.gov  in 2010, with the goal of doubling exports by 2014. U.S. embassies are committed to supporting U.S. companies to start exporting or grow their exports to Kosovo.

Please NOTE that there is no Kosovo page in export.gov.

U.S. Embassy Pristina offers business counseling services and facilitates interested investors, exporters and businesses interested in expanding into the Kosovo market.  The Economic and Commercial Section of the Embassy can provide valuable insight into local market conditions, business climate, and investment opportunities.  We promote the export of U.S. goods and services to Kosovo, and protect U.S. business interests here.  Before entering the Kosovo market, U.S. investors should consult the Kosovo Country Commercial Guide and also check websites of other institutions. 

The Country Commercial Guide is an extensive document that is meant to create an understanding of the markets in Kosovo and to give insights for investors.  The report contains plentiful information on legal and trade regulations, political and investment climate, customs and tax regime etc.  It is highly recommended that any U.S. business consults this document before coming to Kosovo. We recommend all U.S. businesses consult this document: Investment Climate Statement.

The Kosovo Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI) actively promotes trade and improving the business environment by reducing and removing unnecessary barriers, work permits, and abolishing business registration fees etc.

The Investment Promotion Agency of Kosovo (IPAK) is also active in promoting foreign investment and takes a dynamic approach in promoting Kosovo as a good place to invest. 

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Kosovo has an extensive membership and regularly gathers U.S. and non-U.S. businesses to push for greater transparency and private sector input in government decision-making and reforms.

The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC) is a business organization advocating for advancement of trade, development and a better business environment in Kosovo.   

The Advocacy Center helps to ensure that sales of U.S. products and services have the best possible chance competing abroad. 
Contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center and speak with a Trade Specialist for advice and support on exporting to Kosovo.  

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and U.S. Export-Import Bank of The United States work together to support projects in the region.

The Government of Kosovo is open to business and has taken a number of steps to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment.  Please see below for links of relevant government institutions:

• Ministry for Economic Development 
• Kosovo Customs 
• Tax Administration 
• Investing in Kosovo 

Potential investors: Getting Started.
If you are considering investment in Kosovo, here are some steps you may wish to consider as you get started:

• Register with the U.S. Embassy – If you are planning a visit to consider investment, let us know by sending an email to the contact addresses on this page.
• Visit host country resources, such as the GoK Web portal.
• Contact local U.S. business support organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, and the local Kosovo Chamber of Commerce.
• Set up a meeting with our economic or commercial team to discuss any issues that arise.

Working in Kosovo
Please check the U.S. Embassy Pristina website for visas and travel advisories.

Travel Advisories.
Make sure to check the current State Department travel advisory for Kosovo.

FCPA
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is an important anti-corruption tool designed to discourage corrupt business practices in favor of free and fair markets.  The FCPA prohibits promising, offering, giving or authorizing giving anything of value to a foreign government official where the purpose is to obtain or retain business.  These prohibitions apply to U.S. persons, both individuals and companies, and companies that are listed on U.S. exchanges. The statute also requires companies publicly traded in the U.S. to keep accurate books and records and implement appropriate internal controls.   

A party to a transaction seeking to know whether a proposed course of conduct would violate the FCPA can take advantage of the opinion procedure established by the statue.  Within 30 days of receiving a description of a proposed course of conduct in writing, the Attorney General will provide the party with a written opinion on whether the proposed conduct would violate the FCPA.  Not only do opinions provide the requesting party with a rebuttable presumption that the conduct does not violate the FCPA, but DOJ publishes past opinions which can provide guidance for other companies facing similar situations.
More information on the DOJ opinion procedure can be found here.