The roundtable, titled “International Partnerships and Diaspora Investments at the Local Level“, brought together key institutional stakeholders, investors, and experts from Kosova and the diaspora to evaluate Kosova’s current investment landscape.

The discussion explored opportunities and obstacles, with experts from the diaspora emphasizing factors conducive to investment in Kosova. These included the importance of a supportive business environment and centralized access to relevant information for foreign investment.

Discussions identified agriculture, construction, education, energy, information technology, and tourism as the most promising sectors for diaspora investment. Additionally, the roundtable highlighted the significant contributions of the diaspora to Kosova. Moreover, it emphasized the role of remittances in this regard. Furthermore, it discussed strategies for enhancing diaspora integration into Kosova.

The event also addressed deficiencies and critical challenges requiring attention from institutions and municipalities.

The second roundtable focused on “Catalyzing Local Development through Diaspora Engagement and International Partnerships“. Participants included representatives from municipalities, institutional bodies, and civil society.

Discussions revolved around the potential of twinning municipalities to enhance collaboration between Kosova and municipalities abroad. We explored the advantages and impacts on economic development and cultural exchange. However, we also highlighted challenges such as insufficient diaspora statistics, project scarcity, and the need for innovative approaches to connect municipalities with Kosova’s diaspora.

Other key points included emphasizing interdepartmental coordination, establishing diaspora clubs in municipalities, investing in ICT and tourism, and addressing mutual unfamiliarity between municipalities and diaspora potential. Participants also raised concerns about investment attraction strategies and the availability of economic zone spaces.

Representatives from municipal levels shared insights, outlining steps, challenges, and requirements for establishing channels linking these institutions with the diaspora.

GERMIN will compile a report with recommendations for central and local level institutions, based on discussions held at these tables.

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Key figures such as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla Stwarch, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Liza Gashi, Mayor of the Municipality of Suhareka, Bali Muharremaj, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Pristina, Alban Zogaj, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Gjilan, Leonora Morina Bunjaku, and the President of the Assembly of the Municipality of Prizren, Antigona Bytyqi, actively participated in this significant activity. They underscored the pivotal role of diaspora cooperation, emphasized its invaluable contribution, and strongly advocated for the initiation of projects fostering diaspora engagement in Kosovo’s development.

Inclusive of this event were professionals from the diaspora, participants in the EDP program, who generously shared their knowledge and skills with local institutions, organizations, and private entities. Throughout the event, they shared insights into their experiences and contributions during their engagements in Kosovo, underscoring the imperative of investing in the homeland.

Lenhard Hamza, an expert who dedicated two years to Kosovo, conveyed the message that diaspora engagement should serve as a catalyst to diminish dependence on external knowledge and skills. He emphasized the pivotal role of diaspora professionals in advancing human capital in Kosovo, asserting that their engagement should serve to stimulate innovation.

This activity was carried out within the project “Action of Municipalities for Reintegration and Diaspora” – MARDI project, financed by Caritas Switzerland in Kosovo and the USAID Activity for workforce development through the private sector.

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