The implementation of European ESG standards (environmental, social, and corporate governance) is a necessity for local businesses to remain competitive and present in the European market, but not only there. This was emphasized by the Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kosovo, Kushtrim Ahmeti, during the "Ekonomiks" program on RTK.

He highlighted that at the regional ESG conference, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the European Commission through the Western Balkans Fund, over 100 participants from the region and beyond discussed the importance of implementing these European standards, as reported by KosovaPress.

"Although in Kosovo, the implementation of these standards is not mandatory by law, businesses are required to start implementing them if they want to be present in the European market. This is because European businesses will not collaborate with those that do not comply. Our goal remains to increase exports, and this conference highlighted the need for more information for businesses to start implementing them. Otherwise, they will remain isolated in the local market," said Ahmeti.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Skënder Krasniqi, stated that the conference on ESG standards is a moment of reflection for local companies, but not only.

"The regional conference on ESG standards being held today in Pristina marks a key moment for the development of new opportunities for our companies in general. In a world where global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and governance transparency are more important than ever, ESG standards are no longer a solution. They are a necessity for moving forward and staying competitive in the global market," said Krasniqi on the "Ekonomiks" program on RTK, which aired last night.

Panelists and interviewed entrepreneurs noted that businesses are largely late in implementing ESG standards.