Kosovo is becoming poorer everyday

TERRE LIBERE (ITALY) 10 giu 2004 - Categoria: notizie Balcans

A study conducted by the World Bank entitled "Kosovo Economic Memorandum" shows that poverty in Kosovo is deepening. According to this study, 15 percent of Kosovars live in extreme poverty, while 37 percent are considered to live in poverty.

According to the study that was made public today in Prishtina, 15 percent of the Kosovo population posses 0.93 euros a day, which is considered under the limit of extreme poverty. Around 37 percent of the population lives with 1.42 euro per day.

During the presentation of this report, the Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi said that Kosovo aims to open the markets and that will be done through a development strategy with institutional support. The Prime Minister said that the need for longer-period loans would impact in the economic growth and bringing down of the poverty in the country. He said that the postponement of the solution of the Kosovo's final status is halting the economic development of the country and is discouraging the foreign investors.

In the World Bank's Report for 2002, the level of extreme poverty was 12 percent, while now it has increased to 15 percent. The Kosovo's rising poverty, according to the World Bank's report, is influenced by the lack of economic growth and downsizing of donations for 70% during the time-period 2000-2003.

The balance of payments in Kosovo is negative. Only four percent of the Kosovo imports has been covered by exports of Kosovo products which amounts to international trade deficit running at 96 percent.

Autore: Redazione terrelibere