Kosovo's economy has made significant progress in recent years. Nevertheless, unemployment remains high and the level of skills is for the most part low. Poor product quality, limited access of companies to funding, a weak rule of law and a low level of training make the country unattractive to foreign investors. Products and services are not very competitive, either domestically or on international markets.

Project objective

MSMEs exploit the potential of international markets, create jobs and provide opportunities for income. People returning to Kosovo also benefit from these measures.

Approach

The project promotes service providers in the public and private sectors that work in areas of the economy that are important in terms of employment and exports. The activities of the project are geared toward the needs of companies from the information and communications technology sector, wood and metal manufacturing and processing.

PEM CONSULT provides the companies with business information that is relevant for EU markets, including information on procedures, product regulations and certifications, so that they are able to export to the EU. In addition, the project concentrates on market-oriented services for corporate development, for instance by strengthening the organisational capacities of associations or by developing improved business models for service providers. The project also supports individual companies in the introduction of product or process innovations that are relevant for export markets. Furthermore, the project enables public sector and private sector stakeholders to promote the export of goods and services.

Services provided are:

• Business information on EU markets
• Business upgrading aiming to increase export competitiveness
• Matching with EU partners (institutional and corporate)
• Capacity building for export promotion institutions and support services