The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) participated as an institutional partner in the "Brezovica Economic Forum 2025", organizing a panel of deputy governors to discuss access to finance, investment opportunities and regional cooperation.
The panel, co-organized by the CBK and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KKC), and attended by Governor Ahmet Ismaili, addressed the main developments in the financial ecosystem of the participating countries and presented the strategic vision for "diversification of funding sources, European integration and modernization of financial infrastructure".
In his opening remarks, Governor Ismaili emphasized the importance of the financial sector for the real economy, noting that “the financial system represents 157% of GDP, with banks holding the largest share of assets, pension funds contributing as long-term investors, and microfinance institutions playing an important role in financial inclusion.”
He also highlighted three major achievements of Kosovo in the last two years.
"The first sovereign credit rating of BB-, removal from the list of conflict-affected countries according to the IMF and the World Bank, and advancement in financial integration through SEPA and the TIPS Clone project, bringing the country closer to the European financial infrastructure," the press release states.
Governor Ismaili also elaborated on the need to diversify funding sources beyond the banking sector, mentioning "guarantee schemes and capital market development, to expand investment opportunities and increase competition."
The panel discussions highlighted that beyond strong bank financing, “the capital market is essential for long-term growth and diversification of financing in Kosovo and the region, reducing dependence on the banking sector and fostering innovation and economic development.”
The CBK participated in this forum as part of its proactive role in “encouraging professional dialogue and promoting cooperation in order to build more stable, safer and more integrated financial systems in the region, in accordance with the Strategic Plan.”
This forum emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and financial integration to increase investment opportunities and economic sustainability in the Western Balkans. /Telegraph/
