The FINANCIAL — The Board of Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a new strategy for Kosovo, which focuses on three key priorities identified in cooperation with the government.
These are:
Supporting competitive development of the private sector: The EBRD will provide financing to Kosovo corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support investment in competitiveness gains. Improving access to finance for SMEs will remain a priority, and the Bank will continue to work with local partner banks to this end. The Bank will continue deploying targeted frameworks, such as the Women in Business programme and the Western Balkans Sustainable Energy Financing Facility, and will also provide business advisory services.
Enhancing energy security and sustainability: The Bank will seek to apply its Green Economy Transition approach to all investments in the country. Energy efficiency and renewable energy can help mitigate power shortfalls, which are currently endemic, while enhancing environmental sustainability. The Bank will also consider supporting investments in power generation capacity where these are consistent with its Energy Sector Strategy.
Supporting connectivity and regional integration: Infrastructure development is needed to improve Kosovo’s regional integration and attract foreign direct investment, as well as to harmonise with EU standards. To that end, Kosovo needs to develop road links to pan-European corridors and modernise its railway network. The EBRD will aim to provide long-term finance and advisory to help build and rehabilitate key transport links, as well as support Kosovo in bringing its transport sector into compliance with European standards.
To date, the EBRD has invested more than €200 million in almost 50 projects in the country. The Bank is active in many sectors of the economy, and its strategic priorities in Kosovo aim to promote inclusion, green economy, resilience and regional integration, according to EBRD.
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