USAID/Government Infrastructure Support

The project's objectives are to remove barriers to business start-up, operation, and expansion through reduced, simple, and justified free-market-oriented laws, regulations, and implementation procedures to facilitate economic growth. BEEP also aims to improve government and private sector knowledge of laws and regulations to increase clarity, reduce arbitrary application of government power, and to improve the ability of counterparts to effectively participate in transparent advocacy and policy making. BEEP has a long-term presence in eight municipalities and works with a further 26 municipalities. The project's core presence is in Pristina Municipality, Novobrdo, Podujevo, Lipjan, Obiliq, Fushe Kosove, Gracanica Municipality, and Ranillug. BEEP also maintains contact with individual businesses and NGOs in North Kosovo, although it is not currently working with municipal administrations in this region. During the quarter, BEEP maintained its momentum and achieved significant steps forward, particularly from national government counterparts. Data collection for the first Municipal Competitiveness Index (MCI) Survey in Kosovo was completed, with information gathered from over 2,000 respondents across the country. Analysis of the data is underway, and the results are expected to be presented with government and private sector counterparts during the next reporting period. The Municipal Assembly of Mitrovica adopted a Regulation on Transparency, which increases public access to information and facilitates public participation in the municipality's decision-making process. Gjakova Municipality took steps to improve its website, publishing municipality regulations and other documents, and facilitating coordination between the IT department and other municipal departments. BEEP also organized a five-day legislative drafting session in Struga, Macedonia, for GoK officials, resulting in amendments to 10 laws to address improving Kosovo's Doing Business rankings. In April, GoK officials participated in an Economic Retreat held in Bansko, Bulgaria, to develop a new economic vision for Kosovo. The resulting vision and action plan reflected BEEP's recommendations on Doing Business and related reforms, contemplating a comprehensive GoK program to improve the business environment and eliminate 50% of all permits and licenses. The project's progress and achievements are presented in this quarterly report, which includes annexes with supplemental reporting as described in the project's Performance-Based Monitoring Plan (PBMP).