The CEFTA Secretariat and the Investment Forum of the Six Chambers of the Western Balkans (WB6 CIF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels with the aim of improving cooperation with business entities and strengthening their role in regional economic integration.
"The agreement lays the foundations for stronger cooperation and exchange of information that will encourage the creation of a Common Regional Market under the auspices of the Berlin Process," the announcement states.
In this way, both organizations demonstrate their commitment to promoting efficient trade flows between CEFTA parties and fostering regional economic integration.
"By coordinating efforts, the CEFTA Secretariat and WB6 CIF aim to support the timely and efficient implementation of the Action Plan for the Common Regional Market and the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, improving alignment with the European Union (EU)," the statement added.
WB6 CIF Chairman, Lulzim Rafuna, said business entities should see real improvements on the ground everyday.
"In order to achieve this, strong partnerships, such as the one we have had for years with the CEFTA Secretariat, are key. We want to commend their work in facilitating trade and look forward to continuing to expand our cooperation, in order to achieve faster and more efficient trade in the region," Rafuna added.
Key elements of cooperation include strengthening public-private dialogue, promoting trade facilitation, supporting digitization and organizing joint events to increase the visibility of reform processes that promote the single market and investment destinations in the Western Balkans.
The acting director of CEFTA, Danijela Gačević, announced that together they are stronger in investing efforts, not only in the promotion of trade in goods and services, but also in strengthening the voices of companies in the Western Balkans.
"By integrating their needs and challenges into our policies and initiatives, we foster a truly business-oriented environment. This is a collaboration that stands with business entities and for business entities. Therefore, we are committed to unlocking new opportunities and initiating positive changes for businesses and people throughout the Western Balkans," Gačević assessed.
Representatives of both organizations recognized the potential of this cooperation for the Western Balkans, predicting mutual benefits through joint efforts and joint expertise in the next four years.
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