Results
DEED supported the establishment of 25 Diaspora Business Networks in 22 countries. Furthermore, the Global Union of Diaspora Business Networks, which is the umbrella organization for the entire network, actively promoted the importance of diaspora investments in Kosovo and abroad. These networks have proven to be instrumental in moving forward related activities, such as establishing formal associations such as the Diaspora Women Entrepreneurs Network.
Organized in summer 2015, the Expo Forum promoted diaspora investment and business networking practices between the private sector, potential investors, and high level officials from Kosovo and Albania.
The Kosovo Diaspora Investment Fund was legally and formally established in 2014 and promoted widely in-country and abroad. The fund was created to explore alternative means of financing (e.g. equity, small grants, etc.) and an investment prospectus was presented to private sector and diaspora members.
Special attention was given to the functioning of ‘free trade zones’ and collective action involving DEED partners and the national government focused on making strides to functionalize free economic zones in Drenas, Gjakova, Rahovec, Mitrovica, Prizren and other municipalities that expressed interest.
DEED stakeholders promoted Kosovar food products at ANUGA, the world’s largest food fair held in Cologne, Germany. The event was a critical opportunity for Kosovar producers to create new niches for their goods in markets beyond the Western Balkans. Participation was largely successful in that ANUGA allowed for large scale promotion of Kosovar businesses and products abroad while also opening doors to new business partnerships and export possibilities.
Tourism is a growth sector in Kosovo and one of the priorities for Kosovar institutions. Financing was used to support the development of tourism products for the region of Gjakova, which was tapped for its enormous tourism potential. In close cooperation with local NGOs and municipality institutions, stakeholders designed and launched innovative tourism products aimed at national and cross border tourism development.