Kosovo signs historic free trade agreement with EFTA in Davos

Kosovo signed a free trade agreement with the member countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in Davos, Switzerland, becoming the only country in the region to negotiate not only trade in goods but also trade in services with EFTA, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that the agreement will create new opportunities by granting Kosovo access to EFTA markets, fostering a competitive environment, and eliminating trade barriers, with a particular focus on boosting exports and investments.

Kurti emphasized that Kosovo’s producers will have easier access to some of the most developed markets in Europe, strengthening the economy and encouraging exports. One of the priorities of the agreement is enhancing Kosovo’s export of goods, particularly in agriculture, processing industries, and technology sectors.

Cecilie Myrseth, Chair of EFTA, remarked that the agreement also provides guarantees for investors from EFTA member states, fostering interest in new projects in Kosovo.
Rozeta Hajdari, Kosovo's Minister of Industry, encouraged international investors to explore the potential for collaboration with Kosovo.

EFTA and Kosovo began negotiations for a free trade agreement in June 2022. Between August 2022 and September 2024, four rounds of negotiations and several intersessional meetings were held.

EFTA is an intergovernmental organization of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Established in 1960 by its then seven member states, it promotes free trade and economic integration among its members. The four EFTA countries are open and competitive economies committed to progressive trade liberalization in multilateral arenas and free trade agreements.