CLDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry's Investment Promotion Agency of Kosovo, held a workshop in Pristina, Kosovo on how to expand Kosovo’s exports under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program and how to satisfy U.S. import standards and regulations. The workshop provided practical assistance to Kosovo businesses and the Government of Kosovo on how to benefit from the U.S. GSP program and how to identify and take advantage of market opportunities in order to increase exports to the region and the United States.  Relevant government officials, trade association representatives, business organizations, and private sector producers attended the workshop. Advisors for the workshop included representatives from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Representatives from the wine and beer industries expressed particular interest in exporting to the US market in the near future and learned about which wines are eligible under GSP, as well as how to obtain an import certificate for alcohol. During a site visit to a local agricultural company focused on exporting wild berries and mushrooms, advisors and organizers learned about company operations and sustainability practices and were able to provide advice on how to maximize export opportunities in competitive markets.  U.S. Department of Agriculture Advisor Marc Gilkey conducted additional site visits with Kosovo Government Laboratories, a land border crossing with Albania, and held meetings with the Kosovo Ministry of Agriculture and the Kosovo Food and Veterinary Authority.