Kosovo is soaring Ahead !
By Roy Lie Atjam
The Hague, 14 April 2026. The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in the Netherlands, in conjunction with Business Match Kosovo, successfully hosted the Kosovo Business Day 2026. Kosovo is firmly establishing itself as a dynamic near-shoring destination, supported by one of Europe’s youngest and most tech-savvy workforces.
The Business Day forum provided a critical platform for Dutch businesses eager to expand their operations. Attendees engaged in high-level matchmaking, practical workshops on the NL-KS Tax Treaty, and gained invaluable insights into investment subsidies and risk-mitigation tools essential for international ventures. Over 100 ambitious Kosovar and Dutch entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from both nations’ institutions gathered to explore tangible trade and partnership opportunities.
Additionally, the event also attracted members of the diplomatic community and small to medium-sized enterprises actively operating in Kosovo and the Netherlands.
The forum opened with impactful remarks from Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila, the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade, and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo. This was followed by an insightful discussion moderated by Mr. Shpend Lila of the Innovation Centre Kosovo, featuring both ambassadors: H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands, and H.E. Dr. Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kosovo. Her powerful address set a clear tone for a day focused on enhancing economic cooperation and building sustainable partnerships between Kosovo and the Netherlands.
The keynote session, “How to Invest and Do Business in Kosovo,” was delivered by Mr. Kreshnik Thaqi, representing the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency. He presented a compelling overview of the country’s investment landscape, highlighting strategic sectors such as public procurement, major infrastructure projects, railway modernization, and renewable energy, while outlining concrete pathways for international investors to seize opportunities in Kosovo.
The business forum confidently advanced to the core of its agenda, featuring three essential panel discussions that tackled key sectors of mutual interest.
Panel I made an strong statement about Agriculture, Retail, and Recycling. Keynote presentations were delivered by Ms. Kalina Vrieze, Business Developer for Türkiye, Southeast Europe, and Central Asia at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and Mr. Mark Verheul, Director of the Global Alliance of Horticulture Regions Establishment. Additionally, impactful talks were presented by Mr. Valon Bahtiri, CEO and Founder of Mitrofresh B.V., and Mr. Theo Schilder, Director of Business Development at KIVO Plastic Verpakkingen.
Subsequent to the lunch, Panel II took centre stage, focusing on ICT, Tech-Digital Talent, and the dynamic outsourcing opportunities within Kosovo’s rapidly growing tech sector. The session highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity in the modern economy. The panel kicked off with a compelling keynote by Mr. Martijn van Helvert, Chairman of MKB Limburg and Owner of Meines Holla & Partners. Following this, influential insights were provided by Mr. Jelle Hoes, CCO of Buckaroo; Ms. Hana Qerimi, CEO of Starlabs & Digital School; Mr. Shpend Lila, Training, Events & PR Manager at the Innovation Centre Kosovo; Mr. Robert Shala, Board Member at Sentry Cyber Security; and Mr. Lennart Koetsier, CEO of Multiply and Datafuse.
In a significant development, an endorsement ceremony was conducted where various stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding, firmly establishing the Kosovo-Netherlands Chamber of Commerce. This landmark decision paves the way for deeper and more fruitful business cooperation.
The forum concluded powerfully with Panel III, moderated by Mr. Artan Djemajli, which addressed the Prefabricated and Construction Industry in Kosovo. This impactful panel included Mr. Diedon Kica, Chief Commercial Officer of Instabuilt; Ms. Sytrime Dervisholli, Executive Director of Kllasteri Prefab Kosova; and Mr. Erlind Gashi, an architect at EUROING Kosovo. The discussions emphasized critical themes of innovation, sustainability, and significant opportunities for international collaboration within the construction sector.
The Kosovo Business Day provided crucial networking opportunities and facilitated productive B2B engagements, reinforcing existing connections and paving the way for new partnerships. It articulated a clear and assertive message: cooperation between Kosovo and the Netherlands has transcended potential and has emerged as a dynamic and tangible reality.
Through strategic dialogue and purposeful networking, Kosovo Business Day 2026 has fortified business relationships, showcased impressive investment opportunities, and demonstrated Kosovo’s position as a competitive and progressive market.
Contributions from all speakers, panelists, partners, and participants were instrumental to the success of this event. Their expertise, engagement, and positive energy were vital in fostering meaningful dialogue and solidifying lasting connections between Kosovo and the Netherlands.
Kosovo is soaring ahead with incredible momentum!
