Kosovo wood processing companies are becoming increasingly competitive in local and foreign markets because they’re investing in new technologies, modern designs, and innovative product solutions. These steps are critical to finding new export markets – an ongoing challenge for the sector.
USAID Compete Activity wants to help local companies find those new markets; it is facilitating wood processing companies’ participation in major trade fairs in Europe, which allows them to exhibit their products, network, and build key connections.
Recently, several local Kosovo wood processing companies, including Shehu, Elnor, Dardania Model, Greenhouse, Mercom, Vater 1954, Behari and Mobile Dekor exhibited at the Swissbau trade fair in Basel, Switzerland. Their “MadeinKosovo” modular homes, kitchens, stairs, wooden houses, doors and windows, tables and chairs, sofas, and contract furniture for hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias made a great impression on buyers. Collectively, they signed export contracts with EU companies worth over 600,000€ and more contracts are expected to be finalized soon.
“Our company made new contacts with Kosovo Diaspora companies and with architects and construction companies from Switzerland. We signed contracts to make kitchens, which we are now working on, and we are also in the process of negotiating new contracts with a few other companies,” says Liridona Sopaj, an architect at Dardania Model company.
The trade fairs are providing a platform for local companies to increase exports and place Kosovo on the map of countries that produce modular homes, furniture, and other wood products of high international standard. Going to trade fairs is especially important for companies that are just starting to export, even if they require a lot of resources and planning. “I highly encourage Kosovo companies to participate in these fairs,” said Liridona, “although it might seem challenging, in the end, it is worth it.”
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