On 27 March 2023, the ICT for Kosovo’s Growth project organized a Regional B2B Meeting in Suharekë. During this event, ICT businesses met with local non-ICT companies to explore cooperation opportunities in digitalization, innovation, and business expansion, as well as increasing export opportunities.
The B2B meeting brought together over 10 business participants from the ICT digital sector and traditional industries. The event kicked off with a welcoming speech from the Mayor of Suharekë, Mr. Bali Muharremaj, who expressed his pleasure at hosting the event. He highlighted the importance of exploring cooperation to foster digitalization and innovation in the local business community.
The Director of the Department for Economic Development, Mr. Labinot Halitjaha, also addressed the participants. He welcomed everyone and presented the business sector development policies. He explained that grants would be available to start-ups in Suharekë Municipality.
The Team Leader of the project, Mr. Grigoris Kontzoglou, provided a brief introduction to the project, its objectives, and the achievements to date. He emphasized the importance of these local B2B events. These events serve to bring together ICT and traditional sectors, fostering export promotion and enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses. International B2B matchmaking events will also play a significant role in supporting these goals.
Next, Mr. Ahmet Jetullahu, Director of Prishtina REA, presented on various EU funding opportunities related to innovation and ICT. These opportunities include Erasmus, Horizon, Single Market Program, and Digital Program.
Following the presentations, the event moved into B2B meetings between ICT businesses and companies from industries such as manufacturing, processing, and gastronomy. These meetings provided a platform to discuss mutual business opportunities and explore cooperation in terms of digitalization and export development.
The event was attended by over 20 people, including 3 ICT companies, a representative from the Business Center in Suharekë, 6 local traditional companies (e.g., in agriculture, manufacturing, and processing), a trainee, representatives from the Municipality of Suharekë, and the project team. All participants acknowledged the need for integrating technology into production and management systems.
The ICT companies had the opportunity to present their products and services, offering detailed information on how their solutions could support digitalization and internationalization for local businesses.
The event also featured 6 non-ICT companies from various sectors. These companies had the chance to meet with ICT businesses, exchange contact information, and discuss potential collaborations.
The B2B event successfully created contacts and linkages between participants, opening the door for future cooperation. The meetings helped identify common interests and laid the groundwork for business opportunities and potential partnerships.
