Deputy Minister Gashi talks to the organization STIKK

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Liza Gashi, was invited by the ICT Association in Kosovo in the second edition of MarTECH, where she spoke about the plan and work of the MFAD, in terms of interconnecting information technology to diplomacy.

In her speech, Deputy Minister Gashi said that civil diplomacy, which includes digital, cultural, sports and scientific, is among the priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, emphasizing that their interconnection brings added value.

Mrs. Gashi said that civil diplomacy is more than important, because entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, athletes and the diaspora are considered to be the most worthy representatives of Kosovo internationally.

The importance of digital diplomacy stays in the efficiency of technology to enable compatriots to contribute to policy-making, decision-making in diplomacy and the country's economy through "online" platforms.

The ICT sector, being one of the largest employers, innovators and exporters of services abroad, is strategically very important for Kosovo, because it serves as a bridge between foreign companies and is making Kosovo a destination for "outsourcing" and "nearshoring".

At the meeting it was discussed that STIKK, as a representative of the ICT sector in Kosovo, to be part of the working groups for civil diplomacy. It was also discussed to develop regular communication channels so that the innovations of the sector are placed for promotion at the embassies.

In front of the audience, Deputy Minister Gashi presented two projects, which she assessed as the first steps in starting the advancement of these types of diplomacy.

The project "Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship" will bring to MFAD Albanian professionals or students from different parts of the world, to contribute to generating knowledge about Kosovo. The main goal of this project is to return the brain to the country and use the expertise of young people abroad.

Meanwhile, the project "Made in Kosovo" aims to use the embassies of the Republic of Kosovo for representing and promoting Kosovar products abroad. The creation of this corner will enable producers and artists to exhibit their works and products in the world, through the diplomatic missions of the state.

Gashi said that, along with these two projects, work is being done on an "online" platform to attract investment and increase exports, where STIKK are welcome to give contribution with knowledge.

Thanking STIKK and all those present, Deputy Minister Gashi said that she looks forward to the ideas, suggestions and cooperation with this sector, which, every day, is factoring Kosovo internationally.