The Albanian authorities of Kosovo are not going to be involved in construction of the South Stream gas pipeline, despite the statements of the Serbian authorities, said Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hojay in his interview to the Albanian Top Channel TV.
RIA Novosti reported that Kosovo’s Albanians unilaterally proclaimed their independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade does not recognize the self-proclaimed state, but it has been conducting talks with Kosovo to improve relationships under pressure of the European Union.
Serbian Premier Iviz Dachich said last Sunday that it is planned to build a branch from the South Stream gas pipeline towards south of the country in Kosovo. He said such a possibility has been discussed at the talks in Brussels.
Enver Hojay claims, however, that the possibility of Kosovo’s joining the trans-Adriatic pipeline (TAP) has been discussed in Brussels, as TAP construction is supported by the EU. He said the Kosovo authorities are interested in this project.
TAP will be used to transport gas from the Caspian region to the south of Italy and further to the Balkan countries through Greece, Albania and Adriatic Sea. Gas, which is planned to be extracted during the Shah-Deniz Phase 2, will be considered as a source of the project. The initial capacity of TAP will be 10 billion cub.m. a year.—0—
Economics
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On December 10, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has signed a decree amending the 2014 presidential order on the management of the Shah Deniz Phase 2 gas-condensate field and Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) projects, granting the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) expanded control to ensure financial consolidation.
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In the period from January to November 2024, Azerbaijan's exports not related to oil and gas increased by 1.9% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching a total value of $3.1 billion. This growth, noted in the latest "Export Survey" published by the Center for Analysis and Communication of Economic Reforms, reflects the country's diverse and expanding export portfolio.
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In a significant step towards fostering cashless transactions, Azerbaijan has extended its innovative "Return VAT" program to include real estate purchases. Between January and November 2024, citizens recovered 160.3 million manat through the program, marking a notable milestone in the government’s efforts to promote digital payments and enhance consumer benefits.
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Entrepreneurs operating in markets across Azerbaijan will be required to register for taxation. Failure to do so will result in a financial penalty of 2,000 manat for each unregistered entrepreneur, imposed on market owners or administrators. This requirement is included in proposed amendments to the Tax Code, set to be discussed in Parliament.
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