Gjakova, with a population of 150,800, is Kosovo’s third-biggest municipality. Located in the western part of the country, Gjakova was a thriving industrial and agricultural hub during the Yugoslavia years and is now one of Kosovo’s top locations for business.
The municipality has developed an expanding private sector and still has some state-owned companies which are expected to grow rapidly once they are privatised. Gjakova is an agricultural centre with extensive arable land, extensive sources for irrigation, and a sunny climate. Both agriculture and the food-processing industry have excellent development potential in the municipality.
One of Gjakova’s key attractions for investors is its highly-skilled, motivated workforce, particularly in the industries that were well established here before the dissolution of Yugoslavia; these include metals, electronics, textiles, the production of wine and other beverages, wood-processing, tobacco, the production of industrial gasses, gum production, and construction, as well as agriculture and food-processing. Labour costs are low.
Strategic location and welldeveloped infrastructure
For trade-oriented companies, Gjakova offers a very convenient location within easy access of markets in nearby Albania and throughout the region. Companies can also count on the municipality’s well-developed telecom and transport infrastructure, which includes efficient road, rail and air-transport links as well as access to ports at Shengjin, Durres (Albania) and Thessaloniki (Greece).
Gjakova also offers excellent quality of life and is attracting more and more tourism visitors thanks to its natural beauty, lively cultural scene, and historic landmarks, many dating back to the 17th century. Gjakova’s Çarshia e Madhe, or Grand Bazaar, was damaged during the 1999 war but has now been almost completely renovated, and just outside the city in the village of Bishtazhin is the 18th century ‘Tailors’ Bridge’, a fine example of Ottoman stone-bridge architecture. Gjakova also hosts a prestigious film festival, among many other cultural events.
All investors in Gjakova benefit from Kosovo’s free access to the EU and CEFTA markets as well as preferential access to the US market. In addition, investors are protected by Kosovo’s regulatory environment which meets all EU standards. Gjakova’s municipal government is committed to creating the right conditions for companies to achieve success. Local leaders have simplified procedures for establishing a company and obtaining permits, and a new industrial zone provides the ideal location for new enterprises.
Gjakova has a strong track record for economic growth and is ranked one of Kosovo’s most promising local economies.