The Kosovo Budget Committee at today’s meeting has given the green light to three important loan agreements aimed at improving the energy sector and purchasing scanners for border crossing points.
With 9 votes in favor, the draft law on the ratification of the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Kosovo and the French Development Agency (AFD) for the Policy-Based Credit Program was approved.
“This is an agreement worth about 80 million, similar to the one with KfW, which is also 80 million, aiming to increase Kosovo’s support as a continuation of what we have under the EU Growth Plan. The two main EU countries, Germany and France, have decided to support us as an extension of the Growth Plan, which totals 882 million euros. In this case, we have two agreements from two countries, each covering 10 percent, totaling 160 million euros. The goal here is that, within the framework of the reforms in the Growth Plan, there will be further deepening of reforms in the energy sector,” he said.
Murati stated that this agreement aims to improve the quality of operations related to goods trade and related infrastructure.
“Rehabilitation of corridors and efficiency at border crossing points requires reconstruction of border points so they meet EU standards. Capital investment is needed, as well as digitalization of processes to facilitate the flow and allow declaration or presentation of goods even before arrival. The purchase of equipment such as scanners is also foreseen; we already have one donation from the United States, but the idea is to purchase additional scanners for other border points. As seen, investments in this area have a very high return, because in just the first two months goods and declared funds of significant value have been seized,” he said.
