TODAY, PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF MINISTERS OF FINANCE OF ALBANIA AND KOSOVO, DIRECTORS OF RESPECTIVE CUSTOMS AGENCIES, HEADS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF BOTH COUNTRIES.

From the analysis made so far and the data provided by customs agencies, customs procedures are long and overloaded, and discourage trade cooperation between Albania and Kosovo. This situation hinders market integration of the two economies. For this reason, the meeting focused on identifying and implementing best practices that facilitate entrepreneurial activity and trade by unifying customs procedures. This will bring a drastic cut in the checking procedures, processing time and cost of goods for businesses.

The establishment of joint terminals and customs offices, as well as the adjustment of both customs information systems was considered necessary to speed up procedures. Thus, transit procedures started at Albanian customs will be finalized at Kosovo customs, and vice versa.

Another important issue discussed was the organization of joint plans of control, patrolling and surveillance, especially in areas of high risk of smuggle, as well as in areas where Kosovo customs service is not continuous.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Rama proposed to establish the National Economic Council between Albania and Kosovo, as a joint instrument of coordination through periodic meetings in Tirana and Pristina. Prime Minister’s proposal follows the successful materialization of the National Chamber of Commerce, a joint initiative of entrepreneurship supported by prime ministers of both countries.