On Saturday 9 May 2015, SPARK has supported the organisation of the first B2B forum in Kosovo, in cooperation with Chamber of Commerce from Kosovo and Serbia, gathering the top businesses from Kosovo and Serbia. The forum was held in Gracanica’s (Kosovo) Hotel Emerald.

Speakers at the event were Safet Gerxhaliu (President of Chamber of Commerce from Kosovo), Marko Cadez (President of Chamber of Commerce from Serbia), Carel Brands (Netherlands Embassy), Gazmend Abrashi (Exclusive Group, Kosovo) and Miodrag Kostic (MK Group, Serbia). Mr. Brands expressed his content with the format of the B2B gathering, and was glad that officials from both the Serbian and the Kosovo government were present. He furthermore added that SPARK’s long-time role in supporting both communities in the region is well acknowledged and we should all together continue to strengthen the business dialogue that will lead to concrete actions.

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Over 100 journalists were present at the Forum, representing over 40 different news agencies from Kosovo, Serbia and international news providers like Voice of America. The Forum was visited by relevant representatives from both Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the international community including distinguished guests from the German, Dutch and Italian embassies in Kosovo. The Serbian delegation was represented by Mr. Zeljko Sertic, Minister of Economy in Serbian Government, while Kosovo was represented by Mr. Branimir Stojanovic, Deputy Prime Minister in Kosovo Government.

The Kosovo business community was represented by companies such Exclusive Group – the first in his segment for medical and hygienic goods, Viva Fresh Store – biggest retail company, Beta – biggest sugar wholesaler, and AL Petrol – biggest fuel retailer in Kosovo.  Among businesses from Serbia, present were the MK Group – biggest sugar and top cereal producer, Viktoria Group – also among biggest cereal producers, Meat Industries Matijevic – biggest meat producer and processing company in Serbia.

Thanks to this event, companies from Serbia and Kosovo have reached their agreements for cooperation in the future. TIGAR AD tire producer from Serbia will start to sell their products in Kosovo through AL Petrol, biggest fuel retailer with over 60 sells points of gas stations.