Ambassador Jacobson's Remarks after the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kusari-Lila, August 21, 2012

as delivered, August 21, 2012

Ambassador Jacobson at the press conference with Deputy Prime Minister Kusari-Lila, August 21, 2012

I would like to thank the Deputy Prime Minister for her time today, we had a very useful discussion about a range of issues.  And it was a good opportunity for me to hear about the plans of the Government of Kosovo in terms of economic development.
We also focused on some of the ways that the United States can continue supporting the government and the private sector in Kosovo in terms of economic development. 
 
We were able to discuss several of our USAID projects which directly support the private sector.  For example, the Young Entrepreneurs Program and also the Kosovo Private Enterprise Program; as well as some programs that we have through USAID which demonstrate our commitment to continuing improvement of the business environment, such as the Business Enabling Environment Program, and Commercial Law Reform Project.
 
And just last week I would note that through the State Partnership between Kosovo and the U.S. State of Iowa, leaders from both countries were able to meet and discuss further opportunities for economic collaboration.
We firmly believe that with continued attention to the business environment and a focus on market-driven investment strategies, Kosovo is well-positioned to emerge as a very attractive and stable place to do business.
 
And I look forward to working with the Deputy Prime Minister and her government, and with the private sector in Kosovo, to continue to support stable, sustainable economic development.