The Republic of Kosovo has joined the Istanbul Convention within the World Customs Organization (WCO) based in Brussels, becoming the newest member of this Convention, announced today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
The ministry stated that this membership will enhance Kosovo’s efforts to facilitate trade, attract foreign investments, and strengthen its integration into the global economy, thus supporting sustainable economic growth. Adopted in 1990, the Istanbul Convention simplifies the temporary admission of goods across borders, while the WCO plays a key role in overseeing the implementation of the convention and providing guidance to member countries.
“Since its membership in the WCO, Kosovo has met international standards by joining other important trade conventions.”
The official submission of the membership instrument to the Convention on Temporary Admission was made by the Head of the Kosovo Diplomatic Mission to the Kingdom of Belgium, Ambassador Agron Bajrami, and the Director General of the Kosovo Customs, Agron Llugaliu, while the signing was done by Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz.
“On the occasion of our country’s accession to this important Convention, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Mr. Ian Saunders, congratulated Kosovo on its accession to the Istanbul Convention and its commitment to implementing customs procedures that promote trade facilitation and security,” the ministry reported.