Pristina sets up working group to considering abolishing taxes

Foto: TANJUG/AP/ TANJA VALIC

The Ministry of Economy in Pristina has formed a team to identify trade barriers and will recommend to the government of Pristina to remove or keep the 100 percent tax on imports of Serbian goods.

The nine-member team should come up with recommendations on how to avoid barriers, and in line with this recommend whether the tax on Serbian products should be abolished, Gazeta Express reports, according to Kosovo Online.

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Based on the document obtained by Pristina-based TV T7, the team consists of representatives from different departments of the Ministry of Trade in Pristina, who also participate in the Kosovo Customs, Food and Veterinary Agency.

Also included in this group are representatives of companies. The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers Club and the Business Chamber are three bodies that represent the voice of Kosovo companies.

Representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce in Pristina are not participating in the group. Sources from this chamber told T7 that their views will have to be heard.

"Despite our differing position on the issue of the tariffs (taxes), the US Chamber of Commerce believes in importance of a diversity of opinions and ideas that should be discussed within these bodies," says Arian Zeka of the US Chamber of Commerce in Pristina.

"Last week we had a meeting with the prime minister and the minister of economy, during which we announced what is already the public stance of the US Chamber on the importance of undisturbed trade between the countries of the Western Balkans, and therefore of the full economic integration of the whole region," Zeka said.

Pristina's Economy Ministry said they are in constant talks with the US Chamber of Commerce.

"The minister also met with representatives of American, British, Slovenian, Italian and Austrian chambers and associations protecting interests of companies. The US Chamber of Commerce is therefore a part of the consultations with the minister," said Getoar Mjeku, an advisor in the ministry of economy.

It is not known when that team will complete its job of examining trade barriers.

"I have not been informed about the deadlines, but the minister and the working group are dedicated to carefully considering and giving a good recommendation to the government of Kosovo," Mjeku said.

The Self-Determination and the Democratic League of Kosovo stated in their government coalition agreement that the 100 percent tax on Serbian products would be replaced by a measure of reciprocity.

(Telegraf.rs)