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Greetings dear friends of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo We wrapped up together one more year, not an easy one and here we are in 2008. The year we just left behind, will be remembered for many things; it will be in the memoir also for the great achievements of your companies which show that Kosovar companies are capable and willing to achieve much more in the near future. The successes of our member and non member companies commence from socially owned to privatized enterprises, companies engaged in the strategic sectors for the development of Kosovo (energy, telecom) to those that eagerly started off their operations in Kosovo and transformed themselves into role models to be followed. Hoping that the year 2008 (this time for real) will be the year of Kosovo’s independence, we as an organization together with you, should start preparing for a more dynamic times for business and for entire economic and social life of Kosovo. The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, as an organization with the main goal to establish closer business and commerce links between Kosova and the United States, will do everything in its power and potential to serve this goal while not forgetting to implement the best businesses practices and lobbying for a sustainable and healthy business environment. Our main goal can not be fulfilled without your cooperation to achieve two other goals; the reason is simple: Kosovo market is quite small for big corporations and enterprises, hence we need to make sure that these companies, being American or from other parts of the world, have an easy access to regional markets from Kosovo; otherwise, we should not aim of attracting companies. Being aware that we strongly support the attraction of foreign investors and companies, then we need to continue exploring and find ways to make Kosovo a better business, legal, and functional environment. A stable political situation in our country will cause a surge in interests to invest in economic sectors of Kosovo while the institutions have to make sure that the economic wellbeing is spread out evenly to the people of Kosovo. This task is not easy to accomplish; however, if we show interest, awareness, and team work, my belief is we are capable of accomplishing it. It is important for Kosovar institutions to treat the business community as their partner and vice versa. The mechanisms for this partnership are already in place while some new ones are waiting to be established. With the hope that 2008 will be a good and successful year for all of us, I wish you luck, health and tremendous success! Cheers!!!
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Business Issues -26
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AmCham 'Kosovo Business Journal' is a primary forum for economic analyses, news, and viewpoints as well as for the presentation of new business opportunities. EDITORIAL COMMITTEE American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo Gustav Majer STR. No 6 Prishtina, Kosovo, 10,000 Phone: 038 246012 Fax: 038 248012 e-mail: newsletter@amchamksv.org www.amchamksv.org Editor: Mimoza Kusari – Lila Newsletter Coordinator: Mentor Mehmedi Writers: Mentor Mehmedi, Eliana Naka, Shkumbin Hoxha, Gail Warrander Advertising: Jeta Zagragja Jeta.Zagragja@amchamksv.org Layout & Production ashagraphics.com Comments, Suggestions, Writings: @ AmCham Kosovo, kbj@amchamksv.org
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FALL CAREER
FAIR 2007
by Mentor MEHMEDI
s a part of AmCham’s “Best Business Practices” series, and as a continuity of Spring Career Fair 2007, the Fall Career Fair 2007 was organized on November 8, 2007, as a component of a KCBS-funded project. The Fair aimed to provide a networking opportunity for both students and companies, and offer students the chance for interviews, and eventually, employment.
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Although the Fair did not host a whole number of companies, representatives of Kosovar and international businesses participating in the fair represented almost the whole range of sectors such as banking, consulting, IT, education, energy, and brand name distributors.
These businesses presented employment and internship opportunities to visitors, and used the event to create networks with other exhibitors and visi-
Specifically, the companies that participated in the Fall Career Fair 2007 were: • Avers • ProCredit Bank • Meridian Corporation • MDA • Bucaj Sh.p.k. • University of Business and Technology • Iliria Royal University • Auloni • RWE Power Kosovo LLC • Economic Bank
tors. They thought it was an excellent opportunity to informally network with students, gather CVs and inform the public of what they do The visitors were thrilled with the idea of having many companies in one place, where they could be interviewed and make contacts.
The Fall Career Fair, organized for the second time, kicked off with the opening remarks held by Mimioza Kusari-Lila, the executive director of AmCham Kosovo. Ms Kusari-Lila talked about the importance of the career
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fair and its concept to the Kosovo society, and in particular to the students. The opening of the Fall Career Fair was conducted by the Deputy Chief of U.S. Office in Pristina, Alex Laskaris. Mr. Laskaris was quite happy with the fact that such an event is being organized in Kosovo as well. He pointed out the importance of this career fair in enhacing students’ progress and paving for them the way to successful careers. The visitors of the Career Fair were mainly students from private and public universities in Kosovo and the region. There were 645 registered students attending the Fair, whereas we estimate that another 10 % of students entered without registering, making a total of over 700 students that attended the Fair from 10:00 until 16:30.
From around 560 surveys gathered, students evaluated the Fair with an average grade of 9 (1-10 scale) and 530 of the 560 students surveyed said that they would participate again if the Fair was organized in April 2008. On average, each student submitted CVs at three to four companies during the Fair, and the majority of the students were interested in the banking and consulting sectors, with a smaller focus on the brand name distribution and energy sectors. Most of the students attending the Fair were from the University of Prishtina, and were still enrolled in undergraduate studies.
The hall in the Youth and Sports Center provided a space for the stage where the opening ceremony of the fair was held, and where photo slideshows and direct footages from the last Fair were shown. The hall was organized as such to fit to the demands of the participants with 12 spots with a range from 9-12 meters to 15-18 square per stand. Each company had its own stand (or more, depending on their choice), where they exhibited their promotional materials, and conducted formal/informal interviews with students. Students were informed about the Fair through posters, radio and newspaper advertisements (in which students and companies both, were invited to participate in the Fair). A large database of students’ emails was used to send information to all students of universities informing them about the Fall Career Fair details. Participating students were also provided with a catalogue of participating companies’ profiles and a floor map for better orientation in the hall.
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End C cktail by Shkumbin HOXHA …I was trying my best to squeeze between the truck and the van, without sustaining scratch marks, which were coming in the opposite direction but the Renault Scenic is just not built for these situations. The city of Prishtina was screaming for some electricity to regulate the traffic and street lights and maybe, just maybe, save us from a nervous-breakdown. It wreaked havoc with traffic, causing massive disruption to peoples’ lives, at that present moment. I was on my way to the AmCham Year-End Cocktail.When I finally saw the light at the end of Hotel Prishtina’s hall (they had a generator!), I knew it was going to be a wonderful night. It was quarter to seven and the guests had already started to come. By the time the official commencement of the cocktail was due (19:00), the hall was buzzing with company directors, CEOs, top management officials from various firms and institutions, and you could hear glass clings and warm conversations all around. The slideshow was rolling, the musicians were warming up with some charming instrumental songs, Mimoza was there greeting everyone and having a chat, again with everyone, Mentor and Jeta were being greatly helpful in maintaining the flow of the event, I was taking pictures and enjoying some fine orange juice, and Eljana had an added touch of stress about her; everything was going just fine. After everyone had settled in comfortably, had their coats hooked on the coathangers and had a drink or two, Mimoza proceeded with the informal agenda of delivering a short speech to the honorable guests. The speech was duly applauded and then everyone could enjoy their night
in their own special way. Judging by their facial expressions, enthusiasm, and literally their words, the selected group of people, inside Hotel Prishtina’s Hall, was having a jolly good time. Under the musical notes of the pianist and the guitarist, and of course the splendid voice of our mexxo-soprano for the night, Besiana Mehmedi, the cocktail was now in full flow. We, the AmCham staff, had now turned from organizer to guest as well. There was the odd check-up on additional coat hangers and little details on the sound system for the musicians, but other than that, the night was unfolding precisely according to plan. The clock was showing quarter to nine. Some of the guests felt they had enough wine, food, and fun. As in the ini
tial part of this festive event, the same procedure followed in the end. Mimoza, together with the rest of us, was escorting people on their way out; just to make sure nothing would have the slightest chance of ruining the overall performance of the event organization. Inevitably, it was a memorable night capping off a truly wonderful year for all of us. Of course this magnificent occasion would not be possible if it was not for some of our irreplaceable members, also acting as sponsors, of different types, for the night.
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Platinum sponsor:
Company profile Company's Mission statements Sharrcem is the leading producer and supplier of cement in Kosovo. - We operate in Kosovo, serving our customers in the region with quality products and service. - We create sustainable long-term profitability in our business. - We committed to building a better future together with the people of Kosovo.
Customers We satisfy our customer's business needs and expectations by on time delivery of quality products and services.
Employees We offer a working environment that creates development opportunities based on performance, attitude and skills. We treat each other with mutual respect and trust, sharing information and knowledge through all levels. We share the benefits of the company success.
Community As an integral part of our local community, we are committed to be a good community member through our employees and through the Sharr Foundation.
Shareholders We create sustainable long-term profitability for our shareholders in the context of social responsibility and prosperity.
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Golden sponsors:
PRONET is a kosovar company established in Prishtina in January 1997. We offer highquality solutions in the field of Information Technologies and Telecommunications, equipment from world leading manufacturers, original hardware and software solutions, IT consulting, technical support and maintenance of IT systems. The company is maintaining continuous growth and represents a strong pillar in supporting the kosovar institutions, international missions and organizations in Kosova, Kosova's economy and industries, nowadays when Information Technology and Telecommunications are one of the most important elements for a successful functionality and development.
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Sponsors:
From the time the Economic Bank, sh.a., Prishtina received the license and started its operations in 2001 up to 2006, the bank has opened 7 branches and 23 sub-branches in Kosovo. While expanding its network and opening more branches, Economic Bank has been able to improve its services: opening and managing bank accounts, deposits and savings, loans for individuals and business people, money transfer within and outside of Kosovo as well as other bank services. During 2006, Economic Bank has been very successful in the banking market in Kosovo and has achieved a great successful, in a market with stiff competition. The number of clients has increased from 19,249 (in 2003) to 41,391 at the end of October 2006.
CONIN, Ltd. is a construction, production and servicing private company from Kosova founded in 2000 as a result of a long and successful professional experience of its founders. Its primary activity is designing and construction of houses, business premises, school buildings, health centers and low construction such as roads and bridges as well as production of fresh concrete. N.P.SH. CONIN N.I.P.T. 80470533 Address: Str. TMK p.n. Gjakova – Kosova Str. UCK No. 78/b Prishtina – Kosova Tel & fax ++ 381 390 324 009, ++ 381 38 246 449 Mob. ++ 377 44 502 365 E-mail: md_conin@yahoo.com
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International Franchise Expo – March 2007 ry) Washington DC (Februa
3rd Annual General Assem bly of AmCham Kosovo (Janu ary)
Annual Charity Event “For Better Life” (June)
The Largest and most regular taxpayers’ rewarding ceremony (June) Working lunch of AmCham Kosovo with AmCham Macedonia and the U.S. Embassy in MACEDONIA (June)
KOSOVO BUSINESS JOUR NAL (KBJ)-the official news letter of AmCham Kosovo (July)
Finalization of Project for Pediatric Center in Pristina (September) Business Ethics Week (October)
Energy Efficiency: Policy and Practice (November)
Working Lunch with BENS Delegation (October)
Kosovo Business Leaders Forum (December) ber)
Fall Career Fair (Novem
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Business Fairs organized in the United States for the period February-June, 2008 International Builders' Show 2008 (Architectural/Constr./Engineering SVC) 2/13/2008 - 2/16/2008 Orlando, FL, United States
Satellite 2008 (Defense Industry Eq.) 2/25/2008 - 2/28/2008 Washington, DC, United States International Wireless Communication Expo (Computers/Peripherals) 2/27/2008 - 2/29/2008 Nairobi, Kenya
IWCE 2008 (The International Wireless Communications Expo) (Telecommunications Eq.) 2/27/2008 - 2/29/2008 Las Vegas, NV, United States Graphics of Americas/Xplor 2008 (Printing/Graphic Arts Eq.) 2/29/2008 - 3/2/2008 Miami, FL, United States CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2008 (Architectural/Constr./Engineering SVC) 3/11/2008 - 3/15/2008 Las Vegas, NV, United States International Home and Housewares Show (IHHS) 2008 (Books/Periodicals) 3/16/2008 - 3/18/2008 Chicago, IL, United States CTIA Wireless 2008 (Information Services) 4/1/2008 - 4/3/2008
Las Vegas, NV, United States International Franchise Expo (IFE) 2008 (Franchising) 4/11/2008 - 4/13/2008 Washington, DC, DC, United
National Association of Broadcasters: CS Korea IBP Delegation (Audio/Visual Eq.) 4/12/2008 - 4/16/2008 Las Vegas, NV, United States
NAB 2008 (Audio/Visual Eq.) 4/14/2008 - 4/17/2008 Las Vegas, NV, United States
Waste Expo 2008 (Industrial Chemicals) 5/5/2008 - 5/7/2008 Chicago, IL, United States
NXTcomm 2008 (Information Services) 6/16/2008 - 6/19/2008 Las Vegas, NV, United States InfoComm 2008 (Audio/Visual Eq.) 6/18/2008 - 6/20/2008 Las Vegas, NV, United States
Institute of Food Technologies Annual Meeting & Food Expo (Agricultural Services) 6/28/2008 - 7/2/2008 New Orleans, LA, United States
For more info, visit: http://www.export.gov/ibp/ibp.asp?ReportID=IBP
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Scholarship
of New Kosova Energy LLC
by Mentor MEHMEDI The Scholarship Awarding Ceremony for the freshmen and honored sophomore students of the Technical Faculty of the University of Prishtina was held on November 23, 2007, in the Art Gallery of Kosova. Scholarships were given by the scholarship fund of “New Kosova Energy LLC.” “New Kosova Energy LLC,” is member of CEZ Group a.s. from the Czech Republic which is a global factor in the world energy sector while also being one of the four contenders which together with consortium “AES,” a well known energy company from United States, are taking part in the tender for construction of Power plant Kosova C. 51 awarded students who received scholarships based on the criteria set by the open-announcement of University of Prishtina’s rectorat signed the contracts with the NKE’s scholarship leading committee while the announcement for eight other scholarships which will be given to the freshmen is set to be released soon. The goal of the Scholarship Fund of “New Kosova Energy LLC” is to stimulate and motivate high GPA graduated seniors from high schools to attend and enroll into the Department of Technical Faculty of University of Prishtina and other energy departments of this university.
The scholarships awarded to the freshmen are worth €100 per month each (€1200 annually each) while the scholarships for the sophomore students are worth €150 per month (€1800 in total each). Present in this ceremony were representatives from CEZ Group a.s. in Kosovo, Vice-dean of University of Pr-
ishtina, heads of Technical Faculties of University of Prishtina as well as awarded students and their family members. Scholarship Awarding Ceremony organized by the New Kosova Energy LLC & AmCham Kosovo was followed by a cocktail where representatives of Cez Group, University of Prishtina and awarded students had a chance to exchange ideas and talked extensively regarding ways how to stimulate graduated high school seniors to enroll in the departments of UP’s Technical Faculty. AmCham Kosovo facilitated this event, in logistic and other means.
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of Kosovo Business
by Mentor MEHMEDI s a follow up to the first meeting of Kosovo Business Leaders Forum, held during the Business Ethics Week back in October, American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo organized the second meeting/working lunch of Kosovo Business Leaders Forum. The meeting/working lunch took place on Tuesday, December 11. The second meeting of KBLF was strongly supported by the
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Business Issues United States Office in Prishtina (USOP) and Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS). There were about 30 businesspersons, representatives from governmental and non governmental institutions as well as social society, who participated in the second meeting of KBLF. The agenda for the second meeting included the discussion on the role, vision, and mission statement of KBLF, and defining the role that KBLF is going to play in the future. Electing the Managing Board of the forum was also included into the agenda. The Executive Director of American Chamber in Kosovo, Mimoza Kusari-Lila held the opening remarks regarding the
importance of having such sort of forum in our business community. She emphasized the role that this forum is going to play in our country and its significance in aiding economic and sustainable development of our country. Further one, the floor was taken by Luan Dalipi who recommended future steps that KBLF has to take. Mr. Dalipi put a strong emphasis on making this forum a useful tool for businesses in helping and giving something back to the community. Dalipi encouraged other businesspersons to put a benchmark together and weight those achievements at the end of 2008. Several ways and methods were mentioned as short term/long term goals of the forum. After the meeting kicked off, participants discussed the role and the name of KBLF. There was a big discussion regarding what the name of the forum should be. Some participants argued that this forum should not be called Kosovo Business Leaders Forum because, in
itself, does not, and either does not pretend, to include all business leaders of Kosovo. The other side explained that this forum is thought to be a business forum established by the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo for promoting values of corporate social responsibility (CSR), strong business leadership, and good businesses practices; KBLF is designed as a nonprofit forum and representative body of local and international business executives as well as other influential governmental and civic representatives in Kosovo. As such, the forum is open to all: to the business, government, and civic groups. Although the agenda included the defining of KBLF’s organizational chart and electing the Managing Board, both of these agenda’s items were put on hold until the next meeting of the forum takes place. However, the participants agreed in principal to change the name of the forum into Kosovo Business Forum on Social Responsibility. The second meeting of the Kosovar Business Leadership Forum (KBLF) ended on good notes. After the meeting, AmCham provided lunch for all participants. They had a chance to informally discuss about several topics.The Forum will meet again at the end of January or beginning of February.
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Plan of the Kosovo Energy Strategy
for the Period OnFriday, December 7, 2007 the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo in partnership with AUK Center for Energy and Natural Resources organized a Friday Forum event on an Implementation Plan of the Kosovo Energy Strategy for the Period 2009-2011 prepared and presented by AUK students who attended the Energy Policy course in Fall 2007.The Implementation Plan was presented to a broad audience including representatives of several of Kosovo's public and private institutions, AUK students and Kosovo's media. Students provided energy options for Kosovo to take action toward more electricity generation from renewable resources. They also provided plans on how to protect the environment and improve economic investment in the energy sector. Some of the recommendations made to MEM, KEK, KOSTT and ERO include: • define the investor and develop a contract for a hydro power plant in Zhur in 2010; • provide efficient electricity transmission within Kosovo; • maintain and expand the distribution network (20092011); • plan for new interconnection with new power plants (Kosova C and Zur); • create legislation on energy market and market makers; and • enact secondary legislation that maps and mirrors the SEE directives on energy market. The presentation was followed by a discussion between the
audience and the presenters, was and it became clear that the representatives of Kosovo's public and private institutions highly valued the students' comments and suggestions. All participants confirmed that the presentation was a good initiative to assist in pushing forward the implementation of the Kosovo Energy Strategy for period 2009-2011. Finally, the presentation contributed to strengthening the communication between Kosovo's institutions and AUK students. It was a good indicator of the contribution and the interest of AUK students to positively influence institutional processes and decisions.
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Energy Efficiency: Policy and Practice Friday November 2, 2007 American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo in full cooperation with the Center for Energy and Natural Resources of American University in Kosovo organized the Friday Forum on "Energy Efficiency: Policy and Practice." This forum included discussions and presentations by government officials, business representatives, and international donors. The presentations begun with Mr. Gezim Pula from the Ministry of Energy and Mining who talked about the “Kosovo Program for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources and Measures for Its Implementation.” Then, Mr. Pula was followed by a presentation conducted by Mr. Michael Trainor from USAID who discussed the Role of Governments, Utilities and Regulators in Stimulating Investments in Energy Efficiency in the Residential Sector and how Programs can be Designed to Reduce Demand and Improve People’s Comfort at Little or No Cost. Mr. Avni Sfishta (Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit – GTZ) focused on the importance and the role that
municipalities play in energy efficiency policy and practices. Considering the steps that Albania has taken in energy efficiency: policy and practices, the guest speaker Mr. Vaso Leno had a discussion in “Energy Efficiency in Albania.”The final presentation of the AUK Friday Forum on “Energy Efficiency: Policy and Practices” was given by Mr. Ekrem Belegu (New Kosovo Energy LLC). Mr. Belegu explained why public institutions should support and stimulate the business to use energy more efficiently.” Moreover, presenters explained the concept of energy efficiency and discussed the strategy of the Ministry of Energy and Mining in this sector. They debated on the possibilities for the energy sector in Kosova to consume more effectively the different forms of energy supplied. The presentations were followed by an active Question and Answer section, where participants and students argued on the general situation of the energy sector in Kosova and the goals needed to be achieved in the future. The forum was concluded by a cocktail, were participant continued their discussions.
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AmCham S to the SOS in Kosova
taff sends Children's
presents Village
Wednesda y, Decemb er 19, 200 In the verg 7 e o f e n d of the yea Chamber o r holidays, f Commer the staff ce in Kos send pres of Americ ovo took t ents to th an h e initiativ e SOS Ch Social Cen e t il o visit and d ren’s Villa tre which ge in Vela serves as and young nia. The S a transit h children w OS o m e for orpha ho were be a joyful pla ned babies ing put up ce on Wed for adoptio nesday mo puppets w n turned in rn ere given to to the SOS ing. 50 presents an d dozen o children. f Except sp ending som Cham staf e time wit f had the c h the child hance to k ren of all Village pro n ages, Amo w grammes. more abou t A the SOS C m Cham staf recent SO hildren’s f was also S Childre n’s Village informed Strengthe a s b out the K ning which osovo pro gramme o started o children w n Famil y n 2007. Th ho are at r is program isk of losin within a c me enable g the care aring famil s of their fa y environm mil y to gro ent. w
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NEW COMPANY
McCroft Tobacco Kosovo L.L.C. Reg no: 70341182 Introduction to McCroft Tobacco Holdings McCroft Tobacco Holdings is an integrated tobacco company, dealing in the full tobacco supply chain, (agronomy, tobacco threshing, leaf trading, cut rag blending, and cigarette manufacture and distribution). McCroft currently has operations in 12 countries that span and service all of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. The Group has additional representation in the regions in the form of satellite distribution offices, agencies and local partners. The Group’s Holding Company (“McCroft Tobacco Holdings Limited”) is based in Guernsey McCroft Tobacco Holdings benefits from a team of business, financial and agronomic experts with a wealth of experience in the tobacco industry. The combined team experience dates back for more than 25 years, with management currently directly involved in the growing and processing of tobacco to the finished product stage. McCroft Tobacco Holdings maintains a strong focus on developing economies and growth markets, with a specific focus on opportunities for investment in Eastern Europe.
McCroft Tobacco Holdings’ Plan for McCroft Tobacco Kosovo LLC: McCroft Tobacco Holdings’ vision in terms of the Kosovo Project is to bring the existing plant and facilities into full production, and make a considerable investment into the upgrade of the processing facility technology in order to allow the plant to operate at optimal operational capacity. This process will include the upgrade of existing leaf curing, processing and cigarette production technology, and the introduction of more viable methods for production Employment will be stimulated through the direct creation of jobs in terms of the planned improvements at plant level. Unlimited potential also exists for the indirect creation of employment opportunities within the private sector. McCroft Tobacco Holdings will endeavor to re-engage the farming sector to grow tobacco leaf on a large scale and set up and support a collection network for raw product. The considerable investment required in order to re-engage the farming sector will stretch over the medium to long term, and will result in the creation of a substantial number of jobs both directly and indirectly.
AmCham
photo: Agron ISTREFI
Analyses
by Gail WARRANDER ail Warrander and Verena Knaus have just completed the first ever English language travel guide dedicated to Kosovo. It is published by Bradt, a well-respected UK guidebook company which has also published guides to Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia, with city guides for Llubijana and Belgrade.
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Verena and Gail have both spent more than 4 years each in Kosovo and speak fluent Albanian, Verena speaks some Turkish and Gail some Serbian. Verena works for the European Stability Initiative and Gail Warrander runs GW Legal LLC, an international law firm in Pristina.
AmCham member Gail has written an article on tourism in Kosovo and has a special offer for guide purchases by the members.
The Balkans – the new tourism hot spot! I am often asked the question why I wrote a travel guide to Kosovo – after all it’s not a typical tourist destination and it has no coastline, here I set out why I believe there is a future for tourism in Kosovo and where I hope there is already a good, existing market for the guide book.
If last year Montenegro was the hot European tourism destination in the UK papers, this year it has been Albania. Macedonia is not doing badly either. The Bradt guide office tells me that the second edition of the Macedonian guide has sold out – not surprising with tens of thousands of Britons owning property in Bulgaria, of course they also want to visit the next-door country. In the Autumn, one of the most famous and popular TV presenters in the UK, Michael Palin aired his TV show
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Analyses which covered the New Europe (sadly missing out Kosovo and Montenegro). As a result o more than 7 million British viewers got to see Kruja, Albania, the crazy traffic in Tirana, the beauty of lake Ohrid, burek in Sarajevo and the bridge in Mostar (see www.palinstravels.co.uk). The programme is syndicated by the BBC to more than 15 other countries so the programme has a huge impact on tourism and bookings for holidays and tours to the region have shot up. The tourists are moving south and becoming more intrepid. According to the Montenegrin hotels and tour operators the most popular day trips they sell are to Shkodra and Kruja– more popular than the Ostrog monastery trips. Web sites for walking tours for the British and US in Northern Albania are springing up. Last year more than 10,000 Brits went to Exit Festival in Novi Sad and there were an estimated 40,000 foreigners (Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs) at the Gu a trumpet festival in Serbia and between 5,00010,000 foreign ski tourists (again predominantly British!) are expected to stay in Kopaonik, just half an hour’s drive from Kosovo. Last year they had to endure a 5 hour bus ride down from Belgrade (instead of bussing one and a half hours from Pristina airport!). This year many flights will be to Nis airport.
So it’s official, the Southern Balkans are “in” – at least with British tourists! We want to get Kosovo a piece of the action. Let’s get my crazy co-patriots across the border into Kosovo and even across the Ibar. Hopefully a dedicated in-
ternational guidebook from one of the most respected publishing houses will help. So far at least it seems to be having some impact on putting Kosovo on the tourist map. For example in early December Wanderlust magazine, the mostrespected adventure travel magazine in the UK with over two hundred thousand readers (including most major travel operators) called me for an interview about the Kosovo guide book.The journalist was intrigued –his readers are always looking for the next hip destination. He was a little worried about the security situation after 10 December and I reassured him that Kosovo is safe and very friendly, with the usual advice about people staying away from crowds/demonstrations. I remind him how Lebanon, Syria and other places have been holiday destinations. He is very interested when I tell him how good and cheap the restaurants are. With prices edging up in the Baltic states and Poland, the Balkans are one of the last cheap places left in Europe. We agree that the flight prices are a deterrent but in the long run there is a prospect for people getting to Prizren from Italy with the new road from Durres. The Times Newspaper (one of the UK’s most respected papers) also ran a short piece on the guidebook.
Areas for future tourist growth in Kosovo So where do we expect the tourists to go? The privatisation of Brezovica may make Kosovo a destination for ski tourism. Kosovo is unlikely to compete with the French or Austrian resorts but the Bulgarian resorts and the success of Kopaonik show that there is a market for all types of skiers and for people who want a complete experience (great food,
pubs and clubs and childrens’ activities) for a much cheaper price. Brezovica resort could focus also on side activities for the non-skiers in the family such as trips to monasteries and Prizren and could offer much cheaper childcare and childrens’ activities compared to the resorts in the Alps. There is also the mountain tourism – the Sharr mountains, Rugova valley and Dragash represent good walking and hiking opportunities. Mountain biking is now one of the most popular recreational sports in the UK and mountain bike holidays are the fastest growing sector. Ironically this is where the shortage of asphalt in Kosovo actually helps. Mountain bike riders actually seek out dirt tracks, ruts and don’t mind pot holes! There are also caving opportunities in Rugova – again a fast growing sport in the West. Climbing is a little trickier due to softer rocks in Kosovo and there are not so many rivers for
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Analyses
canoeing and rafting but hunting tourism is an option. Competing with Montenegro or Albania’s coast will be difficult and it is unlikely that except for the mountain tourism many people will come for a dedicated trip to Kosovo, however, we need to persuade visitors to come through Kosovo and spend a few days to a week here, maybe coming over from Montenegro or Italy and on the ferry ride from Koman and into Gjakova, visiting Peja and Prizren or from Corfu or Greece through Macedonia. It would be good toconvince just a few of those hardy British campers at Exit Festival to extend their stay and come down to Kosovo, perhaps on an open-jaw British Airways flight – into Belgrade and out of Pristina? There are also other open-jaw combinations such as Tirana and Sarajevo now with BA ans similarly to and from Vienna with Austrian. On a recent Albanian trip we met Slovenians visiting Albania and they were interested in the idea of coming to Kosovo too. The British tourists I met in Kopaonik were enjoying the cheap food and drink and the fresh cheese, jam and mushrooms in the market but complained that the food choice was a bit limited
and the service somewhat grumpy. Here I think Kosovars really have something to sell.The tourists I have met and the backpacker websites that are increasingly featuring Kosovo agree on one thing which is that the Kosovar service and hospitality are good. Kosovars can “do” restaurants really well. Kosovars are very used to working with foreigners.
Existing tourists – there are more than you think! All of the above markets need to be worked on and in a separate article we have a few suggestions on some steps the government should take to develop them. This does not mean however there are no tourists in the meantime (otherwise Verena and I would not have written the book!). If you are puzzled as to where they tourists are now, let me tell you. First to come to Kosovo and certainly not a group of tourists to neglect, are the backpackers. Kosovo is increasingly getting a mention on sites such as virtualtourist
and lonely planet’s thorn-tree forum where adventurous travellers discuss routes and tips. Just the day before writing this article I bumped into two backpackers (Australian and Belgian) on the streets of Pristina, swinging their bottles of “Rugova water” which they readily consumed – followed later by Peja beer! They’d come on a long bus ride from Tirana so were exhausted but game enough to try 212 club where they thought the ambience was good, if a little smoky. They were staying in Hotel Lyon which they liked and appreciated the meters in the taxis as they were worried about being ripped off. They were not so taken with the beauty of Pristina and were bemused by all the elections posters but they liked the cafes and they gushed “This is probably the friendliest place we’ve been. Everyone’s so helpful”. An international they met in the club offered to take them the next day to Rahovec, Velika Hoxha and Prizren. Of course they were struggling somewhat with their guidebook which was the Lonely Planet and had
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Analyses only a page or so on Kosovo – with the hotel information all out of date. Hopefully other backpackers will buy the Bradt guides which will give them more ideas about what to visit. Remember today’s backpackers may well come back in 10 years time with their families. Let’s show them a good time in Kosovo. Probably the biggest existing market to be tapped are the tourists right on the doorstep. These include the international residents – workers for NGOs, UN, EU or international companies in Kosovo and Skopje.We believe that the book will have an important impact in persuading them to spend a weekend in Kosovo rather than trekking to Thessaloniki. There are many one-day and weekend trips in the book to sites that many people have not heard of and we have tips on restaurants they can visit after their sight-seeing. The walking in Kosovo is great. As Kosovo has become safer many internationals’ families and parents visit them and they take trips to
the the sites. Again the Bradt guide will help show them where to go as well as giving them the comfort in advance that there are things to see and it is safe. I should also congratulate Elizabeth Gowing here who has done fabulous work with painting auctions, Albanian cooking days to promote the Ethnografic museum and yoga and music sessions at Dranoc Kulla. Another market is the diaspora. Each year thousands of disaspora come back to Kosovo. They could spend more time visiting Kosovo’s tourist sites and we hope the book will help them show their children the sights and history of Kosovo. Tourism by the residents of the Balkan region themselves is also growing – after all Bosnians, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Serbs and Albanians can only visit their own region without a visa. Montenegro has been surprised by the quantity of Albanians heading north across the border for a weekend to a week in Budva, Kotor and Kolasin. They have started translating menus into Albanian! While tourism from Serbia itself is perhaps less likely in the near future, the Albanians are interested
in Kosovo and with the help of the book the Macedonians might be persuaded to venture across the border, whether to visit the orthodox sites, kullas or the mountains. Many Bosnians have said they would like to visit Kosovo and Albania and the only drawback right now are roads and car insurance restrictions. Finally there are the Kosovars (like many of the readers of this article) who live here permanently and who may increasingly decide to spend their holidays and breaks in the mountains e.g huts up in Rugova valley. This can be more relaxing in some ways than a trek to Durres. It maybe the book does not tell you something new – but we think you will be surprised ! Have you ever been to Zym, Karashingjerg, Janjevo, Zhegra or Letnica or visited the mill in Kushnin or taken your children to the Kullas in Isniq and Dranoc? What about going blueberry picking in Brod or walking near the mixed villages of Bitinja and Gornja Bitinja? Get a guide, see the sights and become an advocate for tourism in Kosovo. Gail Warrander, co-author of the Bradt guide
Special Offer for AmCham members The guidebook to Kosovo makes a great (independence or Christmas/New Year) present for business contacts, potential investors and is packed full of information – there will be many things you didn’t know yourself about Kosovo! Have you been to Stefan Gjekovi’s burial place, Kushnin old mill, Restelica Brod or Letnica? More than 150 restaurants are reviewed with telephone numbers, opening hours More than 65 hotels 19 maps
Gail’s distribution company, Kysmet Shpk, is offering AmCham members a 3 euro discount off the book – with signed copies available at €17 (offer for limited period only). This also applies to other Bradt guides to Serbia, Albania, Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia and to the city guides for Belgrade, Budapest, Llubijana and Dubrovnik - €9. To benefit from this discount, please contact Sabri on 044 151180 or kysmetkosovo@yahoo.com or tel 038 248 342 and explain you are asking about the book. To benefit from the AmCham discount you must name your company.
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Business Issues
World Economic Forum: Most SEE countries slip in competitiveness By Svetla Dimitrova for Southeast European Times in To measure each of the surveyed economies' competitiveSofia ness, the report's authors used both publicly available data and a n a global scale, all Southeast European (SEE) poll of over 11,000 business leaders in the 131 nations. They economies, except for Croatia and particularly have thus been able to highlight countries' main strengths and Turkey, have become weaknesses, as well as shed light on Lingering institutional and the key priorities for policy reform. less competitive than they were a year ago, according to the Global Competmarket weaknesses, probitiveness Report 2007-2008, issued Market efficiency and strong inby the World Economic Forum lems with infrastructure and vestment in research and development (WEF) on October 31st. a poor climate for innovation (R&D) are among the factors that have The study's Global Competitiveallowed the United States to rebound are among the problems ness Index (GCI) assesses 131 counfrom its sixth place in last year's survey tries in the world on the basis of a of 122 countries to the top position in cited in a new report broad range of factors affecting the this year's GCI, with an overall score business climate, grouped into 12 pillars -- institutions, infra- of 5.67 out of 7. Switzerland is ranked second, ahead of Denstructure, macroeconomic stability, health and primary educa- mark, Sweden, Germany, Finland and Singapore, respectively. tion, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, Japan and EU members Britain and the Netherlands are also labour market efficiency, financial market sophistication, techno- among the top ten most competitive economies, while Mozamlogical readiness, market size, business sophistication and inno- bique, Zimbabwe, Burundi and Chad are at the bottom of the vation. list. The rankings of most of the SEE countries place them among those occupying the lower half of the GCI table. Moreover, the vast majority of the 11 nations in the region -- Albania, Bosnia Albania again and Herzegovina (BiH), Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, ranks lowest Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Turkey -- have dropped in their positions since last year. among Southeast To allow readers to compare the surveyed countries' progress, the report's authors have revised the rankings and European counscores of the GCI for 2006-2007 to reflect the introduction of three new pillars into the model used this year. tries in the latThe SEE's lowest-ranking country in this year's GCI is again est Global Albania, which ranks 109th, 11 places down from last year. While the country has notable competitive Competitiveness disadvantages in all areas covered by the survey, it has been given the lowReport issued by est possible ranking
O
the World Eco-
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Business Issues
for individual components, such as government procurement of advanced technology products, capacity for innovation and university-industry research collaboration. Organised crime, inefficacy of corporate boards and inadequate intellectual property protection top the list of problems under the institutions pillar that Macedonia needs to address to improve its rankings. The country, which has dropped 10 places to take the 94th position in this year's GCI, also has some serious competitive disadvantages in the areas of labour market efficiency, technological readiness and business sophistication. Serbia and Montenegro, which were analysed as a single country until last year, are treated for the first time now as separate economies and have been ranked 91st and 82nd, respectively. Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the EU in January, have both slipped in the rankings, the first by five places to 79th and the latter by one to 74th. Greece, the oldest EU member in the region, appears to have become less competitive than last year, dropping nine places to stand 65th in the GCI for 2007-2008. Although it has dropped one place to 57th in this year's GCI, Croatia, which hopes to join the EU by the end of the decade, has improved its overall score for competitiveness from 4.16 to 4.20. It is Turkey, however, which has made the greatest progress among the SEE countries, enabling it to outrank them all and emerge as the most competitive country in the region. It took 53rd place in the GCI for 2007-2008, up from 59th last year. "Turkey benefits from a large market, which is characterized by relatively sophisticated business operations (41st), and a comparatively efficient allocation of goods in the economy (43rd)," the WEF experts said in their report. "These characteristics point to the economy's preparedness to evolve to a more advanced stage of development." The study also includes a Business Competitiveness Index, which ranks Cyprus (45th) highest among the countries in the region, ahead of Turkey (46th), Greece (53rd), Croatia (60th), Romania (73rd), Bulgaria (83rd), Montenegro (85th), Serbia (91st), BiH (107th) and Albania (122nd). Business leaders were given a list of 14 factors and were asked to select the five most problematic for doing business in their country and to rank them between 1 (most prob-
lematic) and 5. The majority of respondents in nine of the SEE countries pointed to inefficient government bureaucracy as the most problematic factor for doing business there.
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Flash Business
News
l e t r a c o g r a c used over air
BA acc
ding in setting been accused of collu British Airways has ovision of air d other levies in the pr an es rg ha rc su el fu prices of Eurofreight services. r of complaint from te let a d ive ce re it BA confirmed of a suspected eging that it was part all s, or lat gu re on ni pean U sa, Air air freight cartel. to Germany's Lufthan nt se o als re we ts ain The compl dinavia's SAS. found guilty, France-KLM and Scan ht to respond, but if rig e th ve ha es lin air The they face fines. viour? Uncompetitive beha official letters, ission that it had sent m m Co an pe ro Eu freight e Th n, to a number of air tio jec ob of ts en m te siknown as sta rules on restrictive bu EU of n io lat io "v ng firms, concerni obthat the statement of but d d, se es lve str vo s ness practices". in ial es fic lin of air EU c But stigation. e the specifi outcome of the inve al re fin e ch th ea Officials did not nam ct d ha fle re ey t th no jection did -operate fully with and SAS confirmed all committed to co ve BA, Air France-KLM ha es lin air r. e te Th let n Commissio es of the At- the authorities. ceived the European stigation on both sid ve in hy gt len a s w llo om/news It fo er airlines http://money.cnn.c 06 to discover wheth 20 rly ea to ck ba g lantic datin in the air cargo by operating a cartel law n io tit pe m co e ok br sector.
China sees slower, but still strong, growth Growth seen at 10.9% in 2008, as central bank ree ls inflation back down to 4.5%. BEIJING (AP) -- China's eco nomic growth is expected to slow slightly next year to a still robust 10.9 percent, wi th inflation at 4.5 percent, the cen tral bank's research bureau said in a forecast reported Friday by a government newspaper . The country's global trade surplus is expected to rise 20 percent next year to $300 billion, said the forecast, rep orted in the China Securities Journa l. China's economy is expect ed to expand by more than 11 percent this year, up from annual growth of 10.7 per cen t in 2006 - the highest since 19 95. Consumer inflation has pic ked up and hit a decadehigh monthly rate of 6.9 per cent in November, far above the official 2007 target of 3 percent. http://money.cnn.com/new s/
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Flash Business
News
Toyota '08 sales would top record Japanese automaker, stoking rivalry with General Motors, vows to sell 9.85 million vehicles worldwide. That would top most ever by GM in 1978. NAGOYA, Japan (AP) -- Toyota, in a neck-and-neck race that could dethrone General Motors as the world's top automaker this year, said Tuesday it plans to sell 9.85 million vehicles globally in 2008. Toyota (TM) also said it plans to produce 9.95 million vehicles worldwide during the same year, up 5 percent from this year - the same percentage jump for the automaker's global sales. Toyota Motor Corp.'s targets, announced at a hotel in Nagoya near company headquarters, far surpasses the 9.3 million vehicles General Motors (GM, Fortune 500) has given as its estimate for production this year. GM has not given a forecast for the number of vehicles it expects to produce or sell in 2008. GM has been fiercely fighting back and boosting its overseas business to try to retain the top industry spot, which it has held for 76 years. Toyota has grown steadily in recent years along with the popularity of its models such as the Camry sedan, Corolla subcompact and the Prius gas-electric hybrid. Soaring gas prices have dramatically boosted the appeal of smaller fuel-efficient models that are Toyota's trademark. Demand for Toyota models has been growing in almost every region, including the U.S. and new markets such as China, South America, Russia and India. If Toyota achieves the target given Tuesday, it would put the company far ahead of the industry record of 9.55 million vehicles sold by GM in 1978. GM sold 9.1 million vehicles around the world in 2006.
Coke near Honest Tea stake deal - report
anreported making Soft drink maker on rb ca e booming nonother move in th siness. ated beverage bu caMoney.com) -- Co N N (C K R YO EW N t in upmaking an investmen Cola Co. is close to for an a ink maker Honest Te and-coming soft dr ished re, according to a publ nt ou am d se lo sc di un port. would by Beverage Digest, The move, reported selection expand its beverage to a ol -C ca Co ow all sales. amid slumping cola ganic Honest Tea makes or Bethesda, Md.-based rages ve juices and a line of be tea drinks, as well as onest h year in business, H ht eig its In n. re ild ch for ion in annual sales. Tea posted $13.5 mill racted all brand, but has att "Honest is a very sm John D. organic positioning," its to e du n io nt te at Nge Digest, told CN ra ve Be of r ito ed , Sicher inking up mail Wednesday. "L Money.com in an er Coke." would be a positive fo t Tea esman and an Hones Both a Coca-Cola spok port. d comment on the re spokeswoman decline ncarno in Coke's line of Honest Tea would jo including in Nor th America, s ge ra ve be d te na bo ell's. ater, Fuze and Campb Glaceau's Vitamin W Peak Go sells Nestea and ld Although Coca-Cola (P o EP, mains behind PepsiC tea drinks, it still re dbury held Arizona, and Ca ly te iva pr , 0) 50 e un Fort are for take-home market sh Schweppes (CSG) in the segment. d soft shift from carbonate As consumer tastes ola said juices and teas, Coca-C drinks toward water, e highth nue will increase in it expects overall reve ges in ge range due to chan single-digit percenta 08. its product mix in 20
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Fun Page
Fun Things to Do in Developing
Your Leadership 1 - Become a better eping communicator by ke your mouth shut.
2 - Eat lunch in
the
cafeteria.
We can find out mor e about what's going on in our company by munching w ith staff than by reiss ui ng Su the Employee rv ey . Just grab some food ut what's going on , plop yourself down Executives find out more abo wo rk at a table of coers, introduce yourse listen. This is no small lf and say, "So, how's and iet qu be to rn lea y the th things going?" Resis e executive temptati when t t on to correct, solve, culture that says the ones tha ju dg pl e oy and reinterpret. Em ee task in a dominant business s fe el ive aff ect irm eff re ed mo w e he Th n n. an executive dest) wi asks for their opinion speak the most (and the lou deto d nee ir an d actually makes room let go of the for a response. While you will hear some pl leaders are the ones who can the to t sen pre ain be old moaning, you will ply sim and tify jus and lain also hear some practic that are frustrating em fend, exp es ployees and hinderin company. It's only after g operational perform pain and imperfection in the In (or an ju say ce st to . d a shor t time, and by y wante making a few calls, yo employees have said all the e u'l l be well on the road to t they becom eliminating some stu "emptied" themselves) tha 3 - Send hand s ive cut exe t pi tha d behavior ... as well as open to hear anything improving w ri tt em e er. ployee trust and hope n off ca to e rd hav s . - two Sit down and actuall spiritual qualities that y hand write a note to dipeople. Real pen; re al paper - no e-mails. rectly hit the bottom dom done - and it's po It's selwerful. Spend the fir st 15 minutes of line. your day writing pers onal notes to people who are doing the right things. Saying thanks has become a lost ar t in the frenetic world of 24/7. It's a 5 - Spend morale booster that costs pennies. As an executive you are no quiet time wit t only responsible fo 4 - Meet h yourr the quantitative sid of the business, you'r e e also responsible for th with coworkse lf . e qualitative piece. You're accoun table for the "heart" An ex ec utive's value is measu ers in their cu of th e company its maintenance and red both bihealing. Valentine's D by w ho sh e is as ay we ha ll s as no w co w ha m be t e your domain. Use she does. - Spen cles. it by sending lots of ding quiet time doin While we may be m g no Va th len ing increases tin e ca rds; sign them "from ore comfortable your awareness and someone cr ea tiv having staff meet us ity . W e become w ho notices your good ef better able to respon in our offices, it's forts." d rather than react. more valuable to lea Being still, even for a few m ve and meet them w inutes each day, prov here they are located. Le id th es e fo undation for becomin adership is not abou t our comfort, g less operational an but that of our empl more strategic. We se d oyees. The rarefied e th e bi gg er air iss of the executive ue s, suite can become toxi th e un derlying conflict, the c. An insightful leade creative approach r meets people where they work, ac that will take the orga cepts them for their nization to unique gifts. Also, the symbolic value of the next level. seeing executives min gling with the troops improves trust. General Patton used this effectively and wo n many a battle by the loyalty his troop s had for him. 29
Kosovo Business Journal
AmCham Kosovo was successful in 2007 thanks to: PATRON MEMBERS Kasabank • Procredit Bank • Sharr Beteiligungs GmbH • NewCo Ferronikeli Complex LLC • NewCo Llamkos Steel LLC Coca Cola HBC Kosovo L.L.C • M&Sillosi CORPORATE MEMBERS Meridian • Washington Group International • RWE Power Kosovo LLC • Banka Ekonomike • ANTIKA Deloitte • Devolli Company • Royal Iliria University Dukagjini Group • IPKO • Microsoft • New Kosovo Energy LLC Raiffeisen Bank • Unioni Financiar • Xella GZG Lipjan L.L.C McCroft Tobacco Kosovo LLC • Unio Commerce - Silcapor BUSINESS MEMBERS British Airways • BONUS • CONIN • American School of Kosova Asia Rahovec • Atlantic Capital Partners • Apollonia sh.p.k. BEJTA Commerce • MDA • Pestova • PharmaSwiss SA, Sh.p.k Avers Kosova • Zero Pozitive Publicis • PRONET Proterm • RIALKO Company • Rima Eng. Smart Investment Group • Scan Color & Jysk • UBT N.T.P.YESSPHARMA • Buçaj Sh.p.k. • Delfin Ltd Gimmi Com • ELTING • Gorenje Niti Tiki • Grant Thornton Hoffmann - La Roche Ltd. • Ilir Kosova SMALL BUSINESS MEMBERS Compakt Group • EcoTrade Triangle General Contractors Inc • Kosova Steel Ati-Kos • Kujtesa • AUK • Gacaferi • Login Systems Kosova sh.p.k INFORMATIKA Computers sh.p.k
design & layout: ashagraphics.com
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Linda Shala • Gail Warrander • Anila Pishtari • Safet Dorambari