US-Kosovo Investment Forum 2010

On Wednesday 27th October, over 140 delegates attended the highly successful US-Kosovo Investment Forum at Harold Pratt House, New York City.

The Forum was staged by the US Embassy of Kosovo and Developing Markets Associates (DMA).

The Forum was addressed by a number of high-ranking ministers from the Kosovan government, including Hon Ahmet Shala, Minister of Economy and Finance, Hon Dr Justina Shiroka-Pula, Minister of Energy and Mining and Hon Edita Tahiri, Minister of Public Administration. Key note adresses were also given by HE Avni Spahiu, Kosovo Ambassador to the US, HE Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission, Mustafë Hasani, Chief Executive, Kosovo Investment Promotion Agency; and business partners – Robert Draggon,Vice President, Bechtel Enterprises, Vullnet Latifi, Director, BPB Bank, Fadil Ismajli, CEO, KOSTT and Arben Gjukaj, Managing Director, KEK JSC, amongst others. The Forum was followed by a gala reception at Harold Pratt House.

PROGRAMME
THE FIRST US - KOSOVO TRADE & INVESTMENT FORUM
27 October 2010
For presentations please click on the speaker’s name

07.45 – 08.15
Registration and refreshments

08.15 – 08.45
Opening of the Forum – Welcome and introduction from Hon Ahmet Shala, Minister of Economy and Finance of Kosovo, HE Avni Spahiu, Kosovo Ambassador to the US, and HE Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission

08.45 – 10.15
Session 1 - Setting the scene: Kosovo – The world’s newest business partner Chair – Rod Morris, Vice President, Insurance, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
• Hon Ahmet Shala, Minister of Economy and Finance, Government of Kosovo
• Jane Armitage, World Bank Director and Regional Coordinator for South East Europe
• Robert Draggon, Vice President, Bechtel Enterprises
• Vullnet Latifi, Director, BPB Bank Q & A session

10.15 – 10.45
Refreshments break

10.45 – 12.00
Session 2 - Investing in Key Sectors Chair – Avni Mustafa, Executive Director, National Albanian American Council
• Lorik Fejzullahu, Head of the Public-Private Partnership Unit, Ministry of Economy, Government of Kosovo
• Dr Shyqyri Haxha, CEO, PTK – Directory of Post of Kosovo
• Perparim Kalo, Managing Partner & Ahmet Hasolli, Partner, Kalo & Associates
Q & A session

12:00 – 13.00
Networking lunch

13.00 – 14.15
Session 3 - Investing in the Energy and Mining sector Chair – Hon Christopher Hall, President of the American University in Kosovo and President of the American Chamber of Commerce, Kosovo
• Hon Dr. Justina Shiroka-Pula, Minister of Energy and Mining, Government of Kosovo
• Dr Ali Hamiti, Chief Executive, Kosovo Energy Regulatory Office
• Ferat Shala, Managing Director, Trepca Mining Complex
• Fadil Ismajli, CEO, KOSTT
• Arben Gjukaj, Managing Director, KEK JSC
• Mr Faik Nahi, Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Mining, Government of Kosovo
Q & A Session

14.15 – 14.45
Refreshments break

14.45 – 16.00
Session 4 - Investment Opportunities in Kosovo – the time is now Chair – Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, Developing Markets Associates
• Hon. Edita Tahiri, Minister of Public Administration, Government of Kosovo
• Mustafë Hasani, Chief Executive, Kosovo Investment Promotion Agency
• Skender Ghilaga, Chairman, Albanian American Chamber of Commerce
• Sokol Elmazi, Partner, Boga & Associates
• Ms Drivalda Delia, Manager, Delia Group
Q & A Session

16.00 – 16.30
Closing remarks from Hon Congressman Eliot Engel, Hon Ahmet Shala, Minister of Economy and Finance, Government of Kosovo, HE Avni Spahiu, Kosovo Ambassador to the US and Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, Developing Markets Associates

16.30 – 17.30
Networking drinks reception