Kosovo as a Trusted Partner for French Investors!

Prishtinë, 06/02/2026

The Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari, participated in the “French Business Day” event, which brought together 50 French companies, investors, leaders of institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, private sector leaders and international partners. The purpose of this event was to discuss new opportunities for cooperation and business expansion, positioning Kosovo at the centre of attention as a new destination for investment.

Within this framework, Minister Hajdari had the special privilege of delivering a 15-minute speech, in which she presented the vision and the reasons why Kosovo is emerging today as an attractive market for French companies.

The Minister said that our country is dynamic and ambitious – ready to build not only a competitive economy, but also a future strongly integrated into the European market. According to her, Kosovo is today a country where sustainability, innovation and partnership come together. Minister Hajdari said that economic achievements and stability are proof of progress, adding that Kosovo’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is above the Western Balkans average.

''Likewise, exports and foreign direct investments have doubled, while public debt is the lowest in the region. The Financial Times FDI Intelligence report ranked Kosovo fifth globally for Greenfield FDI performance, while the OECD Competitiveness Outlook 2024 highlighted our progress in investment policies, trade facilitation and tourism," said Minister Hajdari.

The Minister underlined that governance and security are other strong pillars and that Kosovo has made significant strides in governance and transparency.

“In 2021, we improved by 17 places in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, and by 2024 we achieved the greatest improvement among the Western Balkan economies,” she said.

The Minister stated that the international Gallup Global Safety Report 2025, published in early September 2025, has ranked Kosovo among the safest countries in the world, positioning it third globally and first in Europe for citizens' sense of security and their trust in law and order institutions. This assessment, according to the Minister, is clear evidence that Kosovo is consolidating itself as a safe, stable and reliable country - an important destination for living, tourism and investment.

The minister also mentioned modern highways, the international airport, and the €2 billion Durrës-Pristina railway project.

"This project will connect Adriatic ports with domestic economies, creating a new trade corridor, strengthening regional integration, and contributing to the Green Agenda. For French companies, this means efficient logistics, reduced transport costs and direct access to regional and EU markets," the minister said.

The Minister noted that the young and innovative workforce is also a treasure.

“With 70% of the population under the age of 35, Kosovo offers multilingual, digital and ambitious professionals. In the ICT sector, 90% of revenues come from exports to Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States,” she said.

The Minister emphasized that the future of Kosovo’s industry is digital, green and innovative. The Industrial Development Strategy 2030 also aims for modernization, digitalization and adaptation to EU standards, and industrial and technology parks, business incubators and innovation centers are transforming Kosovo into a regional hub for startups and creative industries.

The Minister also stated that financial integration is another advantage, Kosovo uses the Euro as its official currency and is moving towards full integration into SEPA, enabling instant and secure payments in euros.

“Access to international markets is broad: the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU, full membership in CEFTA and the Free Trade Agreement with EFTA open Kosovo’s doors to a market of over 500 million consumers,” she said.

The Minister emphasized that Kosovo is becoming increasingly attractive to international businesses and investors!

"The positive trend of business registration in the KBRA within the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade confirms that during the period January 2021 - January 2026, 59,353 new businesses were registered, of which 53,598 with local owners and 5,755 with foreign owners. This represents an increase of 18% compared to the period 2015-2020. In particular, interest from Europe has increased significantly, reflecting the increased confidence of European investors in the Kosovo market. During the period January 2021-January 2026, a total of 1,335 businesses with owners from European countries were registered, compared to 823 registered in the period January 2015-January 2020," said Minister Hajdari.

According to the minister, this represents an increase of approximately 62%, reflecting increased interest from European investors.“My message to French companies: Kosovo offers a rare combination – economic growth, governance reform, security, strategic location, young talent, euro stability, expanded trade access and industrial opportunities. With France as a strategic partner, we can build joint projects, strengthen supply chains and advance towards future technologies. Kosovo is ready to move forward – as a partner country in sustainability, innovation and growth”, said Minister Hajdari.