GERMAN-KOSOVAR ECONOMIC FORUM 2026
“DRIVING THE NEXT ECONOMY“
28–29 October 2026
Message from the Executive Director, Mr. Besnik Vasolli
An opportunity every two years: Join the German-Kosovar Economic Forum
Dear Members and Partners,
As October begins, our focus at KDWV is on the 3rd German-Kosovar Economic Forum, taking place on 28–29 October 2026 at Hotel Emerald in Prishtina. With over 270 participants already registered, I warmly invite you to join us.
Held once every two years, the Forum stands out for its scale, broad sector coverage and the range of businesses and institutions it brings together. It offers a valuable opportunity to meet German companies, investors, institutions and key stakeholders whose expertise, networks and decisions help advance economic cooperation between our two countries.
Under the theme “Driving the Next Economy,” this year’s Forum addresses developments reshaping business across Europe: artificial intelligence, the energy transition and changing industrial supply chains. These developments create opportunities for Kosovar companies to expand their international partnerships and for German businesses to explore Kosovo’s potential in services, manufacturing and investment.
Our team has worked closely with companies and institutional partners to build a practical programme around three tracks: Digital Transformation & AI; Energy & Sustainable Infrastructure; and Advanced Manufacturing & Industry. Participants can engage in discussions with business leaders and policymakers, attend practical masterclasses and meet potential partners through structured B2B meetings.
Our ambition is for every participating company to leave with valuable contacts and a clearer next step towards cooperation. I encourage you to register early, complete your company profile on B2Match and identify the partners you would like to meet.
This invitation extends to both KDWV members and businesses outside our membership. Registration is free and remains open until 18 October.
Explore the programme and register here
Make the most of this opportunity that comes once every two years. I look forward to welcoming you to Prishtina.
Besnik Vasolli
Executive Director
German-Kosovar Business Association
We look forward to welcoming you.
From Dialogue to Business: B2B Matchmaking
The German-Kosovar Economic Forum is designed not only as a place for discussion, but as a platform for concrete business connections.
Through the Forum’s B2B matchmaking platform, participating companies can present their business interests, identify relevant partners and schedule meetings in advance.
Whether the objective is to find a supplier, investor, technology partner, service provider or potential client, the matchmaking programme creates an opportunity to connect directly with companies from Kosovo and Germany.
The B2B programme will take place alongside the Forum activities and will continue on 29 October through meetings and company visits.
Register for the Forum and start building your business connections.
https://www.b2match.com/e/german-kosovar-economic-forum
This year’s German-Kosovar Economic Forum is structured around key areas that are shaping the future of economic cooperation between Kosovo and Germany.
Track A: Digital Transformation & AI
How can digitalisation, artificial intelligence and specialised engineering strengthen competitiveness and create new opportunities for cooperation between Kosovo and Germany?
The discussion will focus on innovation, digital services, industrial technology, AI applications and Kosovo’s growing potential as a partner for German and European companies.
Track B: Energy Transition, Green Industry & Sustainable Infrastructure
Kosovo’s energy transition is creating new opportunities for investment, infrastructure development and stronger cooperation with international partners.
This track will address renewable energy, green industry, infrastructure needs and the conditions required to support sustainable industrial growth.
Track C: Manufacturing, Nearshoring & Supply Chains
As European companies reassess supply chains and production models, Kosovo is becoming increasingly relevant as a nearshoring and manufacturing partner.
The track will explore industrial cooperation, supplier development, technology transfer and how Kosovar companies can become more deeply integrated into German and European value chains.
Explore the full programme and discover the speakers, sessions and opportunities awaiting you at the Forum.
Who Is Driving the Next Economy?
Germany’s economic transformation: Where Kosovo’s next business opportunities begin
Artificial intelligence, the energy transition and changing supply chains are reshaping how companies produce, invest and choose their partners. The 3rd German-Kosovar Economic Forum, taking place on 28–29 October 2026 at Hotel Emerald in Prishtina, will explore where these changes create opportunities for cooperation between German and Kosovar businesses.
Under the theme “Driving the Next Economy,” the Forum connects strategic economic discussions with practical business exchange. Held once every two years, it brings companies, investors, institutions and industry experts together across multiple sectors. Over 270 participants have already registered. (b2match.com)
A central feature of this year’s programme is the connection between understanding Germany’s economic direction and identifying where Kosovo can contribute. Strategic keynotes, panel discussions and company interviews will examine emerging demand, the capabilities partners need and the conditions that turn business interest into investment.
Keynote speaker Frank Scheidig of DZ BANK and main-panel participants including Peter Friedrich of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts Region Stuttgart and Visar Paçarada of ProCredit Bank Kosovo bring perspectives from finance, German business and bilateral cooperation to this discussion.
The three tracks give companies different entry points into these opportunities:
Digital Transformation & AI explores how cooperation can develop through software and product development, cybersecurity, cloud solutions and AI-driven services. With speakers including Rene Weigand of Sigma Technology DACH and Nick Neubert of Code Invention, discussions will address what German clients expect from technology partners—from quality and data protection to communication and scalability. For technology and service companies, the value lies in understanding changing demand and identifying opportunities to deliver more specialised services.
Energy & Sustainable Infrastructure connects renewable energy and infrastructure opportunities with the practical requirements of delivering projects. Discussions will address financing, permitting, grid capacity and how simpler procedures can support investment. Executive interviews, including with Eta Morina of Hidroing-DK, will bring company and project experience into the conversation. Developers, engineering firms, technology suppliers and investors can explore where their expertise fits and what potential partners need.
Advanced Manufacturing & Industry examines how Kosovo can become more closely connected to German and European production networks. With contributions including Björn Vogler of the German Economic Team, the track will explore supplier relationships, investment and the development of manufacturing capabilities. For producers and industrial service providers, it offers insight into how stronger partnerships can support access to European value chains.
Practical opportunities continue through structured B2B meetings and expert-led masterclasses. Julian Bickmann and Petrit Elshani of WAGNER Arbitration will lead a session on commercial contracts, covering negotiation, contractual risks and protecting business interests in cross-border cooperation. Participants should check the programme for session-specific registration requirements.
For companies considering participation, the opportunity is concrete: understand market needs, meet potential customers and partners, and prepare the next step towards cooperation.
Registration is free and open to KDWV members and non-members until 18 October. Register early, complete your B2Match profile and make your company’s expertise and cooperation interests visible ahead of the Forum. (b2match.com)
Explore the programme and register
The Forum Goes Beyond Kosovo
The German-Kosovar Economic Forum is also being promoted directly within Germany.
During the Western Balkans Business Meeting in Berlin, German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph highlighted Kosovo’s economic potential and the upcoming Forum as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between companies from both countries.
Building greater visibility for Kosovo within Germany remains a central part of KDWV’s mission and an important objective of the Forum.
Other Highlights
Energy Transition, Green Industry & Sustainable Infrastructure
Energy will be one of the central topics of this year’s Forum.
During September, KDWV continued its cooperation with GIZ and representatives of the energy sector to shape the discussion around “Energy Transition, Green Industry & Sustainable Infrastructure.”
The discussions focused on the needs and priorities of the private sector, renewable energy investment, infrastructure and the conditions required to support sustainable industrial development in Kosovo.
These topics will form part of the energy panel on 28 October, bringing together representatives from institutions, businesses and international partners.
Visit to Vitafood with SES Expert Dr. Martin Ehret
German Expertise Supporting Local Manufacturing 🇽🇰🇩🇪
With a focus on quality and innovation, Kosovo-based Vitafood continues to strengthen its product portfolio. Certified to international standards including IFS Food v8, HACCP and ISO 9001, Vitafood manufactures private-label products alongside its own brand, 2U, offering breakfast cereals, nutrition bars, nuts, health foods and superfoods. In addition to serving the Kosovo market, the company exports its products to European Union countries.
During the visit, representatives of the German-Kosovar Business Association met with Vitafood’s management Mr.Luan Ajeti and Mr.Haziz Vila discuss the company’s development, production capacity and further opportunities for cooperation.
Through the Senior Experten Service (SES) programme, represented in Kosovo by the German-Kosovar Business Association, German expert Dr. Martin Ehret worked directly with Vitafood to support new product development and optimise production processes.
This collaboration supports product innovation, strengthens manufacturing capacity and helps local production expand into international markets.
Strengthening the KDWV Business Community at Sommerfest 2026
September began with KDWV Sommerfest 2026, bringing together members, partners, business representatives and institutional stakeholders in a relaxed setting focused on networking and exchange.
The event created an opportunity to strengthen existing connections, build new relationships and bring the KDWV community together ahead of the 3rd German-Kosovar Economic Forum.
With the Forum approaching, Sommerfest also served as an important moment to encourage members and partners to actively take part in the upcoming programme, B2B meetings and wider opportunities for German-Kosovar business cooperation.
Connecting Kosovo’s Municipalities with German Investors
Preparations for the Forum continued beyond Prishtina.
Throughout recent weeks, KDWV has engaged with municipalities across Kosovo to identify local investment opportunities and connect them more closely with potential German partners.
In September, discussions with municipalities including Peja and Gjakova focused on industrial development, local business potential, investment zones and opportunities for cooperation with German companies.
The Forum will provide municipalities and their business communities with an additional platform to present these opportunities directly to international partners.
Kosovo Engineering for European Industry
During September, KDWV visited Arquail, a Kosovo-based company specialising in embedded systems, industrial artificial intelligence and engineering solutions.
The visit highlighted how technical expertise developed in Kosovo can directly support European and German industry.
Arquail CEO Taulant Abazi will also contribute to the Forum’s discussions on Digital Transformation & AI, sharing practical experience from a company already operating within international markets.
From Kosovo to International Markets: Quipu
KDWV also visited Quipu, where approximately 150 employees work across specialised financial technology services including card personalisation, ATM and POS services.
The company represents another example of how expertise based in Kosovo can serve international clients and integrate into broader European business networks.
Such examples are central to the conversation around Kosovo’s role in the next economy and its potential as a partner for German companies.
Promoting Mediation as an Effective Tool for Businesses
KDWV cooperated with the Kosovo Chamber of Mediators in organising a roundtable discussion on mediation as an alternative mechanism for resolving commercial disputes.
Through an open exchange, participants discussed the advantages mediation can offer businesses, including a faster, more efficient and confidential approach to resolving disagreements.
KDWV remains committed to promoting mechanisms that help businesses resolve disputes professionally while preserving constructive dialogue and long-term business relationships.
Articles
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR BUSINESSES
Registration of Employees in the Electronic EDI System
The Tax Administration of Kosovo (TAK) published an official notice, requiring all companies to register their employees in the electronic EDI system. This obligation arises from Article 43 (5) of Law No. 08/L-257 on the Administration of Tax Procedures, under which every employer must inform TAK of employment within their company.
More specifically, according to TAK’s notice, every company must enter the details of all current employees into the EDI system. Companies are also required to continuously update the information in the system, reflecting any changes in the status of existing employees, and to register every new employee one day before the commencement of employment.
The information required for registration in the EDI system includes:
• Employment start date;
• Employment termination date (where applicable);
• Job position;
• Profession;
• Education level;
• Working hours (specifying whether full-time or part-time);
• Other (optional) information.
The deadline for fulfilling this obligation is 31 October 2026. Even after this date, employers will remain obliged to continuously update the information in EDI whenever there are changes in the employment relationship within the company.
Please note that failure to register within the prescribed deadline is subject to a fine. Pursuant to Article 102 (3) of the relevant Law on the Administration of Tax Procedures: “Any employer who fails to inform TAK as stipulated in Article 43, paragraph 5, shall be subject to a fine of €500 (five hundred euros) for each undeclared employee.”
In fulfilment of this legal obligation, the German Kosovar Chamber of Commerce invites you to finalize this process within the prescribed deadline and in accordance with the requirements of the applicable legislation.
Kosovo is emerging as a promising destination, supported by its young workforce, longstanding links with Germany, improving business conditions and expanding manufacturing capabilities. Companies such as BIZMARK and MUNDA already contribute to German supply chains through metal processing and specialised textile production.
German Nearshoring in Kosovo
Rising logistics costs, geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruptions are prompting German companies to reassess their production locations. Nearshoring offers a way to combine competitiveness with greater resilience, bringing production closer to European markets.
These links are reflected in growing trade: German imports from Kosovo reached EUR 114 million in 2025, while Kosovo’s total exports more than doubled between 2019 and 2024.
Kosovo offers a complementary production location within more diversified European supply chains. For German businesses, supplier assessments, market visits and B2B meetings provide practical steps towards exploring this potential.
Kosovo’s ICT Sector: A Strategic Opportunity for German Tech Companies
Kosovo’s growing ICT sector offers German companies opportunities for nearshoring, software development and long-term technology partnerships. A young, multilingual workforce, competitive operating costs and shared working hours support close cooperation, while many local companies already serve clients across Europe and North America.
Cooperation is expanding beyond outsourcing into joint development and innovation. Borek Solutions Group operates in Kosovo, while Celonis has established a Development Center of Excellence in Prishtina. In the other direction, Kosovar IT consultancy NOVUS recently opened an office in Munich, strengthening its presence in the German market.
Growing capabilities in AI, cloud technologies, cybersecurity and digital transformation create further opportunities for investment. By combining Germany’s industrial expertise with Kosovo’s digital talent, companies can build development teams, strengthen skills and create technology solutions for the European market.
Trade Fairs and Conferences in Germany | November–December 2026
November
BrauBeviale · 10–12 November · Nuremberg
Beverage industry
electronica · 10–13 November · Munich
Electronics industry
MEDICA · 16–19 November · Düsseldorf
Medical technologies
GET NORD · 19–21 November · Hamburg
Building technology
December
VALVE WORLD EXPO · 1–3 December · Düsseldorf
Industrial transformation
Sustainable Solutions · 2–3 December · Düsseldorf
Renewable energy
IT-Tage · 7–10 December · Frankfurt am Main
Information technology
GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit · 9–10 December · Hamburg
Security and technology
For more information, contact us at info@oegjk.org.
Prishtina
2026
