Invest in Prizren

Invest in
PRIZREN
MUNICIPALITY OF
PRIZREN
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Invest in
PRIZREN
For Contact Details Visit us at:
Web: http://kk.rks-gov.net/Prizren/
Layout and Design:
www.rrota.com
Photography:
Municipality Prizren
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SERBIA
Mitrovicë/Mitrovica
MONTENEGRO
ONTENEGRO
3HMs3Hý
Pristina
Gjilan/Gnjilane
*MDNRYsĂDNRYLFD
Suharekë
Suva Reka
Ferizaj/Uroševac
Prizren/Prizren
ALBANIA
MACEDONIA
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Foreword by the Mayor
P
rizren is one of the oldest cities in South Eastern Europe, and
is located under the Sharri planes. It is the second biggest
city in Kosovo and is surrounded by the Sharri Mountains on its
three sides. We have worked a lot to improve the lives of all our
citizens by developing Integrated Plans to detail the work of the
municipality and its middle-term plans.
As the Mayor, I want to create a peaceful municipality which can
bring stability to all communities and to balance the needs of the
citizens, businesses and the environment, so that all of us together
ensure and cooperate with each other so that everything we do
and all the services we offer are the right ones for the people who
need those, and we will try to achieve:
 Transparency: be open and honest;
 Accountability: take over responsibilities willingly;
 Fairness: we value highly the diversity and we promote equality
by helping those in need;
 Partnership: to work with the communities, businesses and
other partners.
Tourism is considered one of the main pillars of economic
development for the Municipality of Prizren, and therefore is
our Strategic Plan for Social and Economic Development of the
Municipality, tourism is considered an objective of priority for the
development of local economy.
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors for the economy
of Prizren and the sector where the majority of local population
is employed. Therefore, it is important that we increase the safety
and quality of these products and market our area as the main
producer. We should increase our produce in a sustainable manner
to meet the requirements in the future by increasing the basic
capacities of the employees and by indentifying new technologies.
This municipality, which has a good geographical location has many
regional and national connecting roads that links Prishtina, the
capital city, with the region of Prizren and from there with Albania
that is why it has great strategic importance, including the Highway,
which is a new and highly important artery for our country and
the region.
The majority of the businesses in the Municipality are small
businesses (up to ten employees) and there are approximately
7300, while there are 67 medium sized businesses (10-15
employees) and only 8 large businesses that have over 50
employees. Prizren is suitable geographically for international trade
(export) and tourism (import).
I believe that all the citizens and other players will have the chance
to use the opportunities offered by the Municipality of Prizreni and
will be able to follow out journey into a better life.
Mr. Ramadan Muja
Mayor of Prizren Municipality
Country Data
Kosovo
 South Eastern Europe, heart of the Balkans, time zone GMT+1.
 Part of the Central Europe Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).
 Geo-strategic position: in the cross-roads between the European
corridors 7 and 10 – main link between Europe and Asia.
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Kosovo has the most favorable business conditions in the region.
Based on the indicators of the World Bank business report the
Government of Kosovo has undertaken essential reform initiatives
to improve the business environment, more specifically the
Government has:
 Eliminated the business permit;
 Four neighboring countries: Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and
Serbia.
 Reduced the number of documents required for exportimport;
 Territory: 10,887 km2 – surrounded by mountains and divided into
two-sub-regions of similar size, population and relief.
 Removed the registration tax for all businesses;
 Mild continental climate, with average temperatures in January -5°C
and in June 24°C and with favorable precipitation.
 Removed the request for depositing founding capital for
limited liability companies;
 Increased investor protection;
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Municipal Profile
T
he Municipality of Prizren is located in the south of Kosovo.
The entire territory of the municipality of Prizren has a surface
of 640 km2 and represents 5,94% of the territory of Kosovo. The
territorial division has been made into 77 cadastral municipalities.
Prizren is above sea level from 412-500m. It is surrounded by the
Sharr massive, the highest peak of which is 2748 m above sea level.
Prizren is a large cultural and trade center, has many picturesque
views with churches, mosques, old houses still lived in and open for
the tourists. The urban age of Prizren dates back to III century, even
earlier than t hat. Prizren is also known for its national diversity and
enjoys an old tradition of inter-ethnic tolerance and cooperation,
therefore is considered the most heterogeneous city of Kosovo in
the ethnic aspect.
Demographic data
Currently, the municipality of Prizren has approximately 227,490
inhabitants, who live in 81 local communities or locations of which
16 are in the city and 71 in the villages.
Ethnic composition
The Municipality of Prizren has an ethnically diverse population
composed of Albanians 90 % of the total number of the
population, and the rest are ethnic minorities: Bosniac, Turkish,
Roma, Serbian, Ashkali and others.
The city’s history
Archaeological data testify the existence of an active life in the
territory of present-day Prizren from the antiquity and beyond,
when it was known by the name of Theranda and the area was
inhabited by the Dardanians.
Archaeological site excavations by the bank of river Drilon (White
Drini) in the locations of Gjonaj, Romajë and Vërmicë have
uncovered groups of Illyrian tombs, weapons, jewels and other
utensils of Illyrian origin. In XI century it was known as an important
urban center. In 1019 it is mentioned as the seat of the Byzantine
Empire Bishop.
In 1455 when Prizren was occupied by the Ottoman Empire it rose
again as a powerful economic, cultural and administrative center.
The Ottoman Empire built and left as heritage many religious and
cultural buildings like mosques, hammams, bridges and cobbled
streets. Thanks to the installed cultural infrastructure which seeks to
preserve, cultivate and present the values of the cultural heritage –
both material and spiritual, the city of Prizren projects its chance in
the development of tourism as a profitable economic activity.
Transport
The distance between Prizren and Prishtina (the capital city of
Kosovo) is 77 km, the nearest airport is the International Airport
“Adem Jashari” in Sllatina at a distance of 70 km. The Municipality
of Prizren is surrounded in the west by the Republic of Albania,
in south east by the Republic of Macedonia, in northwest by
the Municipality of Gjakova, in the north by the Municipality of
Rahovec, in north east by the Municipality of Suhareka, in the
east by the Municipality of Shtërpcë and in the south by the
Municipality of Dragash.
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Municipal Administration and LEDT Office
T
he municipal power in the municipality of Prizren is composed
of two bodies: the municipal assembly (the legislative body),
also the highest institution of the local governance, comprising
of plenary and standing committees, and the Municipality – the
executive body, comprising of the Mayor’s office, the municipal
directors and the staff.
The Mayor is the highest executive in the municipality and is
elected directly by votes of the citizens for a four-year term, which
means that the local elections are organized every four years in
accordance with the legislative framework.
The current mayor of Prizren is Mr. Ramadan Muja.
One of the very important institutions operating in the
municipality is the Directorate for Tourism and Economic
Development. This Directorate has a well-trained and proactive
staff that offers complete support to the development of the
business and economy in the municipality, from the business
registration services to complete support for the investors.
Apart from that, the municipality is one of the founders of the
Tourism Information Office, an independent institution the goal of
which is to promote and develop the tourism industry.
Upon the review of the law on the use of the municipal real
property the Municipality is entitled to give the property it
possesses in order to stimulate economic development. In this
context, the Municipality has recently identified 2137 lots from the
municipal property comprising of 2.0% of the total territory that
may be given into use for a period of up to 99 years. In compliance
with this opportunity, the process of giving municipal property
has been made easier through the organization of auctions.
These create a more favorable environment to attract and realize
investments – having the Municipality a true partner throughout
the process and your business activities.
Natural resources, tourism, and other competitive advantages
he main tourism products of this location are the natural
attractions, the source of Lumëbardh and Lepenci rivers, the
bio-diversity and the highest peak of Sharr mountain, as well as
the skiing spots and the wonderful space for daily or seasonal
vacations. The natural beauty, the adequate height, adequate skiing
paths, the sky-lift, clean restorative air for heart and respiratory
diseases are among the special features and real facts for the
development of winter, sport and health tourism. The space in the
mountain of Prevalla which reaches a height up to 1500m above
sea level and the height of Sharr Mountain up to 2750 m there
exist many kilometers of hiking and biking paths, as well as many
other spaces suitable for alpinists.
A specific feature of this area is the climate diversity, with hot
summers and snowy winters.
Touristic Location - Prevalla 1500 m.
T
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The fountains of Prizren
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Prizren is surrounded by high mountains that have sources of
pure and cold waters. Drinkable water use from the numerous
sources within the space of this ancient city dates back a long
time ago. These sources are rich with cool and healthy water.
Every street in Prizren has its own fountain where citizens and
passers-by have the chance to freshen up. Wor thy of mention
are: the fountain of “Binbash”, the six fountains of “Topokli”, the
fountain of “Shatërvan”, the fountain of “Beledijes”, the fountain
of “Sinan pasha” Mosque, the fountain of “Qorr aga” Mosque,
the fountain that is proper ty of Perolli family and many more.
Church of “Shen Gjergjit” (Saint
George)
Across the small church of Shën Nikollës there is the first
or thodox church called the Church of “Shën Gjergjit”
(Gjorgje). This church was constructed by Sultan’s order.
The wor ks in this church were completed in 1887. The
bell was inser ted in 1903. The church was made richer by
icons and is used for or thodox rituals.
Catholic Church “Zonja Ndihmëtare”
(Lady of Mercy)
A few steps away from the Church of “Shën Gjorgji”, the cathedral
of “Zonjën Ndihmëtare” stands like a monument. This catholic
church was built in 1870 by Archbishop Dario Buciareli. “Zonja
Ndihmëtare” is open to catholic believers.
Shrine of Rufai sect
Every 22 March the Shrine of Rufai sect in Prizren celebrates the
birthday of hasreti Ali (saintly Ali).This day is celebrated by the
dervishes’ manifestations transforming pains into joy and feasting,
applying century-old techniques of piercing the body with long
needles and knives as a way to seek salvation and the God’s way.
Absolute belief in the religion makes them immune to pain.
Lidhjes Shqiptare (Albanian League), the Oak (Platanos-Orientalis),
the Monastery of the Archangels, the archaeological complex, the
numerous fountains in the streets of Prizren, the Shatërvan as a
meeting point nearby Lumbardh river are an open invitation to the
tourists who wish to visit the museum-city.
Prizren, one the pearls of Kosovo’s beauty has a lot to offer to the
visitors.This city is known as the “museum city, the city of songs
and love”. The harmony of the echo-system, the warm soul of its
inhabitants, their welcome and the pleasures you will experience will
make you want to back again to this city.
The cultural heritage for sure is enriched by the good tradition of
cultivating the fine arts, the handicrafts, the numerous religious, cultural
and traditional celebrations such: Karabashi Day (Shën Gjergjit), the
festival of old city songs “Zambaku i Prizrenit”, the internal short-film
festival “Doku Festi”, the folkloric festival “Hasi Jehon” in Gjonaj, the
manifestation of the forty wells etc., which make Prizren even more
attractive from the tourism point of view. Adding to this the rare
natural beauties of the picturesque Marash, the beautiful Prevalla and
Sharr mountain with wondrous pathways for skiing, one can rightfully
say that the “mosaic of tourism requests” is fully met.
Cultural and historical monuments such as: Sinan pasha Mosque, Gazi
Mehmet pasha hammam, Shën Premta, the Castle, the complex of
Old houses with characteristics colors still exist in Prizren thus
representing important and attractive elements for the visitors.
Tourism
Locations for investment
Industrial Zone
T
he basic framework of the economic development for the
Municipality of Prizren is the activation of the Business Park
that is located in the north-east of the city of Prizren, a location
that is along the Lubizhdë – Korishë road, 5 km away from the city.
This zone comprises also the regional road towards Prishtina. This
space with this purpose has been regulated based on the decision
of the Municipal Assembly of Prizren and will be considered a
development zone for the small and medium-sized enterprises.
The work done so far in getting this park ready is in its initial stages
and the requirements concern the exploration of construction
opportunities through concession and economic and efficient use
of the land within this space, regulation of the entire infrastructure
and attracting larger businesses to achieve a larger number of
employees.
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Cultural and historical monuments
T
he mosque of “Sinan pasha”, the hammam of “Gazi Mehmet
pasha”, the Castle, “Shën Premta”, the monumental complex
of “Lidhjes Shqiptare e Prizrenit” (Albanian League of Prizren),
“the Ancient Oak”, “the Monastery of the Archangles”, “the
Archaeological Museum”, the numerous fountains in the streets of
Prizren. The beautiful fountain is also the crown of the city and the
center nearby Lumbardhi river, it is an open invitation to the tourists
who wish to visit Prizreni – the “museum city”.
The fountain of Shadërvan brings cool and drinkable water; is
surrounded by old cobbled-stone paths and is located across from
the Stone Bridge on one side and the Castle on the other side,
the “Sinan pasha” Mosque and the “Shën Gjorgjit” Church, thus
becoming a special feature of the city of Prizren, symbolizing the
religious tolerance bequeathed from generation to generation. The
Shadërvan is the heart of the city; a rendezvous point for the young
and space for many activities. The numerous cultural and entertaining
activities, as well as the marking of local and national celebrations
take place in the “Shadërvan” Square as this space is most visited by
citizens and other visitors.
As a city of diverse cultures, as well as the oriental architecture that
fanatically preserves the styles of centuries gone, make Prizren the
most beautiful and visited city in Kosovo.
On old proverb says: “Who drinks water in the Shadërvan (fountain)
will find it hard to leave Prizren”. Older historians say: “Every stone
in Prizren has a story of its own”, while the poets have sang through
their verses “Prizren is the city of songs, wine and love”.
Archaeological Museum XVII century
Is situated in the Kulla e Sahatit (Clock Tower) and the galleries of
Ahmet Shemsudin Bey Hammam, which was constructed by the
end of XV century (1498). Its collection comprises of over 800
pieces from different historical periods, uncovered in the course of
excavations in the localities of this region. The objects that are kept
in the museum are of genuine archaeological and artistic values
and have characteristic local features that shed light upon the
Illyrian culture and its intertwining with the neighboring cultures.
Lumbardh and Stone Bridge make the city’s
crown
Prizren’s river of Lumbardh is considered a natural reservation
and is characterized by special biological, geo-morphological,
hydrological and landscape values. The area contains icy silicate
of the higher mountains where the source is located and the
upper stream of Prizreni’s Lumëbardh. The Stone Bridge has been
erected on Lumbardh by the end of XV century and the beginning
of XVI century, and is an important object for communication
and pertains to the Ottoman period. The numerous bridges over
Lumbardh connect the city of Prizren with the older part and the
area below the castle.
The city divided into two parts is connected by the bridges which,
as a treasure, exist one along the other and have their own names.
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Quality of life
P
rizren, being one of the oldest cities and a center of cultural
heritage is known for its culture and tradition in the lifestyle
of its inhabitants. The modern and the classic meet in Prizren city
and its surroundings. The city is rich with cultural, service and
sport activities. The services offered in Prizren are qualified as
efficient and sufficient for the requirements of the citizens. Many
activities fill the cultural life of the city. Below is the calendar of
these activities:
January:
 Documentary and educational films – films to e3ducate the students
and youth
 Organized by DOKUFEST
February:
 “The concert of Independence”, a concert with the stars of Kosovo
show-business to honor 17 February – the Independence Day of Kosovo
March
 Films by Dokufest Production (Films concerning human rights)
(Organized by Dokufest)
May:
 Flower Fair, (Organized by the Directory of Tourism and Economic
Development)
 OLD TIMER fest (organized by the Old timer Club in Prizren)
 Traditional song festival “Hasi Jehon”- Gjonaj
 Freedom trophy – traditional boxing tournament
 Festival “Zgjimi në Art”
June:
 Freedom Concert (Organized by the KLA veterans)
 Concert to honor the liberation of the city of Prizren (organized by
the Municipality of Prizren-Directorate for Culture)
 Children’s songs festival “FLUTURAT”
 “1 June – International Children’s Day” Organized by the Office on
Children’s Rights of the Municipality of Prizren)
 Festive concert of Arts and Culture Association “AGIMI”
 40 Bunar Fest
 NGOM Fest
 International hikers’ meetings (organized by the Hiking Association
SHARRI)
July:
September :
 Handicraft Fair (Organized by the Directorate of Tourism and Economic Development and the Association of Handicraftsmen of Prizren)
 Comic Book & Carton Fest (organized by XhenetComics)
 Zambaku i Prizrenit
 Documentary Film Festival-Dokufesti
August:
 Book Fair (organized by AKEA)
 Month of Tourism (organized by the Tourism Information Center of
DTEDF)
 Festival “Sheep Skinning” (Organized by the Directorate of Agriculture
of the Municipality of Prizren)
December:
 Turkish Film Week (Organized by the Association MESK)
 Traditional concert of the Ensemble “Lidhja e Prizrenit”
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This publication was funded by the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), Democratic and Effective Municipalities Initiative Program in Kosovo.
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the
United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.