By Ermira Babamusta, Ph.D./
The Investment and Trade Conference “Global Opportunities with Kosovo’s President H.E. Atifete Jahjaga Synergies with Israel & Illinois” begins Thursday, November 12, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The full-day conference will feature a multi-lateral seminar with President Jahjaga, panel discussion with representatives from the State of Israel and economic officials from the State of Illinois and City of Chicago, a visit to Tech Incubator, meeting with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, followed by dinner organized by the Kosovo community in Chicago.
The Investment & Trade Conference is organized by the America Israel Chamber of Commerce, Chicago (www.americaisrael.org). The hosts of the conference are: the America Israel Chamber of Commerce, Chicago; the Albanian Association of Businessmen, Intellectuals and Activists; the Albanian-American Women’s Association of Chicago; and McGuireWoods LLP.
“This is the first year the conference has been held. The mission of the America Israel Chamber of Commerce, Chicago is to facilitate and increase bilateral trade between the U.S. and Israel. The Albanian people and Jewish and Israeli people have much in common, including many years of oppression, a large diaspora, and very young countries. We hope to use our success in helping build Israel’s economy since independence to help build Kosovo’s economy and to increase multilateral trade between the U.S., Kosovo and Israel,” said Daniel Shure, Former President of the America Israel Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, and conference Chairman.
“We expect business transactions to develop as a result of understanding the investment opportunities in Kosovo. And, we expect people and companies in Chicago and all of Illinois to benefit from having access to deals and to the leader of the Republic of Kosovo. We also expect that as trade increases Kosovo will import more from Chicago and as Kosovar companies expand overseas they will base their U.S. operations in Illinois, thereby bringing jobs and tax revenue to our state,” added Mr. Shure.
The Thursday conference schedule kicks off with reception, followed by welcome and introductions by the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago, Albanian Association of Intellectuals Businessmen and Activists, and McGuireWoods LLP.
The morning session features remarks by H.E. Madame Atifete Jahjaga, President of Kosovo, introduced by Ms. Amy Manning, Managing Partner, McGuireWoods Chicago. The Honorable Atifete Jahjaga is the first woman to be elected President of the Republic of Kosovo, the first female head of state in the Balkans, and the youngest ever woman to be elected head of state. Before being elected to the Presidency in 2011, she served as the Deputy General Director of the Police of Kosovo. The seminar is followed by a Q&A session.
There are various panel discussions during the Thursday morning session. The “Investment Opportunities in Kosovo” panel features four distinguished guests, namely: Mrs. Hykmete Bajrami, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Kosovo; Mr. Kujtim Dobruna, President of ECIKS and Economic Advisor to the President of Kosovo; Mr. Shkumbin Brestovci, Board Director of the IT Association of Kosovo (STIKK); Mr. Arben Limani, Director of the Executive Secretariat of the Board of Directors at Privatization Agency of Kosovo.
The Thursday afternoon session features a roundtable discussion with the leadership of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
The conference includes a visit to Tech Incubator 1871 hosted by Howard Tullman, CEO and meeting with Mayor Rahm Emanuel at the City Hall. The Honorable Mayor Emanuel under his leadership has laid the foundation for ongoing and inclusive development as the economic development strategy to drive jobs and economic growth in Chicago. “Chicago has not only become a springboard for small businesses looking to increase their global competitiveness, but along with legacy corporations which drive exports from Canada to China, these companies are helping to support local job growth and strengthen Chicago’s economy,” stated Mayor Rahm Emanuel (www.cityofchicago.org).
Caption: Daniel Shure, Former President of the America Israel Chamber of Commerce, Chicago and conference Chairman