The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo (AmCham) held a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK), Ahmet Ismaili, bringing together representatives of AmCham member companies, the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, and international financial institutions.
According to AmCham, the discussion focused on the stability of Kosovo’s financial sector, key macroeconomic trends, ongoing strategic reforms led by the CBK, and the advancement of the regulatory and supervisory framework.
Governor Ismaili provided a detailed overview of developments in the banking sector, confirming the system’s resilience through strong levels of capitalization, liquidity, and overall stability.
Progress in Payment Systems and Integration with Europe
Ismaili also highlighted major steps undertaken by the CBK in modernizing the payment system. These include:
- Advancements toward Kosovo’s membership in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which is expected to ease business transactions.
- The ongoing project to establish a real-time payment system (TIPS Clone), which will serve as a critical infrastructure for the entire economy.
These initiatives were welcomed and supported by AmCham members, who emphasized the importance of institutional dialogue and the need for steady progress toward Kosovo’s full integration into SEPA.
Cooperation with the Private Sector
Governor Ismaili thanked AmCham for the invitation, stressing the importance of platforms that bring together public institutions and the private sector to address challenges more effectively.
“The private sector remains a key contributor to Kosovo’s economy and financial stability. Open dialogue with businesses ensures better understanding of their needs and supports the sustainability of our financial system,” Ismaili said.
The discussion also touched on regulatory improvements to enhance access to finance, the development of alternative financing channels through the capital market, support for innovation, and initiatives that strengthen Kosovo’s international financial integration with both European and U.S. markets.
Strengthened Institutional Dialogue
AmCham’s Executive Director, Arian Zeka, thanked Governor Ismaili for his openness and readiness to engage with the private sector. He reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to contributing to a constructive dialogue with the CBK, commending the central bank’s achievements in several key areas, including transparency and institutional communication.
“We value the CBK’s proactive role in advancing reforms and maintaining stability. Continued collaboration between institutions and the private sector is essential for Kosovo’s economic growth,” Zeka stated.
