Privatization process on Kosovo to end by the end of 2006

The process of privatization of public companies on Kosovo should be ended by the end of 2006, said the deputy of the manager of Kosovo Trust Agency Ahmet Šalja.

Šalja pointed out that 491 public companies on Kosovo would be privatized and that the privatization process was being carried out in accordance with the highest European standards.

The deadline for completion of privatization of public companies is the end of the year 2006. Prior to June 1, 148 companies had been privatized and 240 new ones have been created. In the privatization process, total of 236m EUR have been provided, as well as 70m EUR worth of investments for the companies that were privatized according to method of "special spin-off".

During the former 16 privatization rounds, 4,209 interested buyers took part in the auctions, the most successful of which were the representatives of diaspora and local Albanians.

Speaking about privatization of "Trepča" combine in Kosovska Mitrovica, Šalja said that special international administrator, which should be appointed soon, would make decision concerning that issue.