Professor Shkumbin Misini explained the main reasons why products made in Kosovo often end up being more expensive than imported ones.
According to him, a decisive factor is the limited market, which prevents local companies from increasing production and reducing costs.
“It becomes more expensive because manufacturing companies that operate within Kosovo face a very limited market,” Misini said on KTV’s Konfront on Thursday.
He added that developed countries, as well as several Western Balkan states, provide far more subsidies for the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, directly affecting price reduction.
As an example, Misini mentioned fuel subsidies for farmers across the region.
“In our country, the price of diesel is the same for someone driving a private car as it is for someone using a tractor to plow their land. Meanwhile, in several Western Balkan countries, the tax on fuel used for agricultural land processing is 0,” he stressed.
According to him, developed countries invest heavily in agriculture, viewing this sector as fundamental for the economy and food security.
Misini also pointed out the differences in Albania’s approach, which is currently undertaking deep reforms as a result of recommendations from the European Union.
Furthermore, he criticized Kosovo’s state policies, which he said have been primarily focused on filling the budget rather than long-term development.
“State policies in Kosovo have had one main goal: filling the budget. Over 70 percent of the budget is filled through Customs. We live for today, not for tomorrow. Recently, inflation has been produced by the Government itself,” he stated.
