Wood processing companies from Kosovo shine at Swissbau Fair

Trade
23.01.2024
Every two years, the Swissbau Fair opens its doors to a wide range of construction industry companies and offers a peek into craftsmanship and innovation of the industry. Among the companies that exhibited at this year’s Swissbau Fair, 12 Kosovo companies from the wood processing, fenestration, and facade sectors showcased their products and innovations to thousands of fair visitors and industry representatives.
(c) Fiona Murtaj

The Kosovo pavilion attracted visitors keen on discovering the unique originality of “Made in Kosovo” products, such as modern furniture, kitchens, fenestration equipment, and façade modelling.

The opening day of the fair was marked by the presence of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari. As they visited the bustling booths showcasing the products, their visit underscored the government’s commitment to promoting manufacturing and export.

The participating companies at the trade show not only gained exposure to emerging trends and innovation within the industry, but also had the opportunity to explore potential collaborations and partnerships on a global scale.

(c) Fiona Murtaj

The Swissbau Fair proved to be an immersive experience for companies from the wood processing, fenestration, and facade sectors. With a spotlight on craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation, these companies left an indelible mark on the international stage, showcasing that the intersection of government policies and business can indeed be a fruitful one.

The Promoting Private Sector Employment (PPSE) project supported the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency (KIESA) to facilitate the participation of Kosovo companies at Swissbau. The support aimed to promote the export potential of the “Made in Kosovo” wood products.
Promoting Private Sector Employment is a Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), implemented by Swisscontact and Riinvest Institute.

2021 - 2025
Kosovo
Entrepreneurial ecosystems, Sustainable tourism
Promoting Private Sector Employment
Kosovo has grown moderately at an average rate of 4% in the last few years (pre-COVID 19) and is constantly facing growing labour force, while the labour market falls short of generating the jobs needed to absorb the new entrants (around 30,000 annually). Formal employment makes around 75% of the overall employment, with public sector accounting for 25% of formal jobs. Youth, women, and minorities (particularly the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian) remain the most excluded groups. The COVID-19 pandemic did not spare Kosovo’s economy from its devastating impact.