Gacevic: Kosovo assumed CEFTA chairmanship, focus on new Action Plan

Kosovo has taken over the chairmanship of the CEFTA Agreement from Serbia, with the focus on implementing a new Action Plan for creating a regional market, Danijela Gacevic, Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, told RTS.

"The chairmanship is moving from Belgrade to Pristina. We are starting the implementation of the new Action Plan for establishing a regional market. This plan includes new bodies, such as an intellectual property body. The institutional framework of CEFTA is expanding, reflecting the breadth of topics we address. Each member will chair one of the bodies, which is important for achieving further results and supporting the success of regional integration," Gacevic explained.

When asked about CEFTA's importance to Serbia's economy, she noted that Serbia traditionally achieves a trade surplus with CEFTA members.

"This can be improved through the measures we are working on. CEFTA is the second most important market after the EU," Gacevic emphasized.

She highlighted significant achievements during Serbia's chairmanship in the previous year, including the adoption of several decisions by the Joint Committee. These decisions pertain to recognizing authorized economic operators, establishing a framework to enhance e-commerce, cooperation in tourism, risk management, and recommendations regarding the Green Card system.

Gacevic noted that previous activities had been guided by a four-year plan and that the upcoming initiatives would be covered by a new plan for 2025–2028.

As she said, CEFTA makes a vital contribution to regional integration, and by implementing its activities, the organization has advanced regional integration and brought the region closer to European integration.