The narrative for Kosovans is taking an extraordinary turn as more and more businesses are gaining access and securing orders from markets in Europe with USAID’s support, as evidenced by the significant number of deals realized by Kosovan exhibitors in the largest construction fair in Europe, Siwssbau.
Not long ago many Kosovans migrated to Switzerland in search of better life opportunities. A significant number of them worked in the construction sector, leaving a mark on the Swiss landscape.
However, the January 2024 construction fair brought together some 15 Kosovan companies under a single roof -- literally. Through the joint creation of the “House of Kosova” at the grand stage of Swissbau in Basel Kosovan, companies joined together to display wares in a prefabricated home produced in Kosovo. Initiated by the Prefabricated Homes Cluster and supported by USAID’s Compete Activity, the prefabricated house, assembled on-site within two days prior to the fair, was a testament to Kosovans originality and dedication, finely crafted and furnished with products sourced exclusively from Kosovo. From windows to mattresses, it showed the essence of Kosovo's craftsmanship.
Among 900 exhibitors from all over Europe, the House of Kosova was the only constructed house in the fair, drawing over 6,000 visitors over four days. The House of Kosova will continue the mission of promoting Kosovo as it embarks on a journey to Croatia and Greece in 2024.
On the margins of Swissbau, USAID facilitated the Export Promotion Forum and tailored business-to-business (B2B) meetings between Kosovo and European counterparts. As a result, 40 Kosovar companies and 20 Swiss companies met to discuss collaborating in the construction sector.
Prefabricated Construction Cluster preliminary reports show that since mid-January, Kosovo companies concluded more than 20 contracts worth €512,465 with Swiss clients and are currently negotiating other agreements with the potential value of more than €5.5 million.
USAID has worked to support wood processing companies participating in Swissbau since 2016.
DT Global for USAIDKosovo