OPENING BUSINESS DATA TOWARDS KOSOVO’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The opening remarks of the public debate were held by Blerta Thaçi – Executive Director, ODK, and Kujtim Gashi – General Director, Agency of Information Society/ Ministry of Public Administration. Firstly, Mr. Gashi emphasized that opening data, cooperation with civil society, increasing awareness about open data, are some of the steps AIS is taking. Whereas, Z. Lluka, Minister at the Ministry of Economic Development, emphasized the great importance of the publication of data produced by the government in formats that are easily-accessible increases institutional transparency, increases the trust on public institutions, and positively affects Kosovo’s economic development.

Then, Ms. Kusari from European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Kosovo highlighted the importance of open data e.g. identifying the business owner, which helps EBRD and other investors to financially assist several businesses in order to avoid businesses with the same owner benefit from this assistance numerous times.

Whereas, Mr. Zeka from American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo – Oda Ekonomike Amerikane në Kosovë emphasized the importance of publishing data from the Tax Administration of Kosovo on what products enter Kosovo’s market in order to contribute to the overall development of sustainable competition.

Recommendations from this panel discussion were to increase inter-institutional cooperation in order to provide a more efficient flow of data from one institution to the other. Moreover, investment in human capital is crucial for successful open data initiatives.

This public debate was held as part of the Improving Government Transparency and Business Practices thorugh Open Data which is financed by the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo. Visit www.biznesetehapura.com for more.

Date: 20 June 2019