Isni Kilaj, Mayor of Malisheva, highlights his municipality’s investment attractions.
European Times: Can you introduce our readers to Malisheva?
Isni Kilaj: Malisheva, with a population of around 70,000, is located in central Kosovo, around 50 km from each of the country’s biggest cities: Prishtina, Prizren, Peja and Gjakova. A new highway between Prishtina and Albania will pass only five km from the centre of Malisheva.
European Times: What are the most promising sectors for investors?
Isni Kilaj: Our main economic sectors are agriculture and tourism. Agriculture is number one. Before the war, we had 1,400 hectares of vineyards. We have well-established operations growing seasonal vegetables and fruits, and the area is known for its high-quality farmland and productive orchards. Livestock production, including dairy farming, offers excellent opportunities as well. Motikom, which raises lambs, and Hoting, which has around 100 hectares of orchards, are two of our most successful companies. In the tourism sector, the municipality has built a swimming pool taking advantage of the warm natural spring waters of Banja, which has the potential to become one of the best spa centres in the region. We also have an attractive cave which can be a tourism attraction, and some of the famous Mirusha waterfalls are within Malisheva municipality.
European Times: What are you doing to attract FDI?
Isni Kilaj: We offer free land, tax holidays for five to ten years, business registration in only one day, and the Municipal Centre for Businesses, a business-support centre launched with USAID. We are open to public-private partnerships, for example in the tourism sector, and our community is one of the safest in Kosovo, with no corruption and very low crime rates. We are currently building an industrial zone near the new highway where businesses can enjoy excellent conditions. We have a history of productive international partnerships, for example with USAID and with the Norwegian government, which built the School of Competence here to train young people in new skills. This is one of Kosovo’s most successful projects.
European Times: What is your personal message to potential investors?
Isni Kilaj: We have greatly improved our infrastructure, including our roads and water systems, and we will continue to complete new infrastructure projects. We have created great conditions for foreign investors, including very business-friendly leaders, a safe community, and a pool of trained young people who are ready to work.
