FEGO Project Trade Initiatives

Given the recent growth in the furniture, apparel, and rural tourism sectors in Kosovo, the FEGO project has strategically focused on trade-related initiatives to enhance market access and boost export potential. Capitalizing on emerging opportunities such as global sourcing shifts and Kosovo’s visa liberalization, FEGO has facilitated activities designed to connect local enterprises with international markets. Key initiatives include organizing participation in global industry events, such as trade fairs and business-to-business meetings, and fostering direct linkages between Kosovo’s dynamic SMEs and international buyers. These efforts have been instrumental in showcasing the high-quality craftsmanship of local furniture makers, the sustainable practices of its apparel brands, and the unique offerings of its rural tourism operators. These initiatives aim to boost the competitiveness of Kosovo enterprises in international markets while driving economic growth through job creation and increased incomes. Kosovo's furniture companies are experiencing significant growth driven primarily by export opportunities. The connection with the Kosovar diaspora has played a crucial role in accessing these markets. However, many companies still face challenges in expanding their market linkages beyond these diaspora connections. Earlier this year, the FEGO project supported ten companies from Kosovo's wood production and furniture sector to participate in the Stockholm Furniture Fair, representing the country. This event provided a unique platform for Kosovo businesses to engage with the latest industry trends and innovations while connecting with global design leaders. Such exposure fosters collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange, enhancing innovation within Kosovo’s furniture sector. A B2B buyers’ mission was organized by FEGO, Interior Cluster Sweden, and AWPK to further support this growth in November 2024. This mission facilitates connections between Swedish furniture companies and Kosovo’s furniture enterprises through in-company visits and networking events to establish trade links and boost exports to Sweden. By building these international connections, FEGO is helping local manufacturers expand their reach and increase export opportunities.

For the first time, Kosovo tourism enterprises participated in the Travel News Market fair in Stockholm, Sweden. This marked a significant step in the FEGO project’s broader strategy to enhance trade-related interventions by fostering meaningful connections and expanding Kosovo’s presence in the Swedish tourism market. Key activities included organizing individual B2B meetings, designing and managing a professional exhibition stand, and equipping participating MSMEs with the tools for impactful presentations. In the long term, this initiative aims to increase the number of international tourists, particularly from Sweden, visiting Kosovo. The resulting growth in tourism is expected to benefit not only tourism stakeholders but also local communities and economies. An increase in international visitors can drive demand for locally produced goods and services, create jobs, and stimulate infrastructure development, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth. In the apparel sector, FEGO has partnered with the Flair Fashion platform to promote Kosovo’s emerging fashion designers by providing access to global sales channels and visibility at events during the London Fashion Week. This collaboration successfully showcased Kosovar designers during London Fashion Week 2024, fostering valuable connections with industry professionals and customers while highlighting the potential of these designers in the global fashion market. This initiative supports economic growth in Kosovo by opening new markets for designers, fostering brand recognition, and creating new professional opportunities. To elevate Kosovo’s culinary offerings, FEGO supported 10 rural tourism enterprises in attending Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2024 in Torino, Italy. This event, the largest gathering of the Slow Food Network, introduces participants to sustainable food production models and celebrates culinary traditions from around the world. Attendees explored biodiversity, sustainable farming, and traditional knowledge, gaining insights to enrich Kosovo’s food tourism sector. By connecting local gastronomy businesses with global leaders in sustainable food production, FEGO promotes the use of authentic, locally sourced ingredients, enhancing culinary offerings and attracting tourists. This approach strengthens the local community by creating demand for regional produce, supporting farmers, and fostering closer partnerships between food producers and tourism providers. These connections help build a resilient supply chain where local businesses and producers benefit mutually, driving sustainable growth and economic stability.

Kosovo’s Designers’ Journey to Sustainable Fashion: Milan Fashion Week 2024

A Step Towards Sustainable Gastronomy and Tourism Development in Kosovo

Strengthening Kosovo’s Furniture Industry: A Strategic Collaboration with Sweden

Fostering Employment and
growth opportunities

The project Fostering Employment and Growth Opportunities (FEGO) aims to boost inclusive market systems development in Kosovo to generate self-employment in the apparel, furniture, and rural tourism sectors. Funded by SIDA, implemented by Swisscontact.