Ferizaj is a city and municipality in southern Kosovo, located south of the capital city, Pristina. Ferizaj is the third most populated city in Kosovo, after Pristina and Prizren. It is the administrative centre of the homonymous district. The central city postal code is 70 000, and the currency is euro (€).
Geographical position
Ferizaj, the third most populated city in Kosovo presents a very suitable geographical and economic position. As one of the major cities of Kosovo, it obtains strong connections with the capitals of the neighboring countries, e.g. Ferizaj - Pristina: , and Ferizaj - Skopje: Komuna e Ferizajit/Municipality of Ferizaj, Strategjia e zhvillimit ekonomik lokal 2005–2007/Strategy of local economic development 2005–2007, Ferizaj, March 2005, Pg.8 which means facility in the field of trade, tourism and other branches of the economy. This is one of the reasons why Ferizaj is taking a sustainable and competitive position in economy.
The road network Ferizaj keeps it connections with all the major cities of Kosovo secure. Also, Gjilan has close ties with the European Transport Network. If you look at the map of the municipality, we see clearly that the road network is formed in the center of Ferizaj, which leads to the interurban traffic. Ferizaj is extremely close with Kosovo's main "artery", running north-south highway which connects M2/E65 Pristina to Skopje and in the East-West highway M25-3, which connects Ferizaj with Gjilan and Prizren. Ferizaj also has good ties with Štrpce, Tetovo and Shtime. This is valuable because in Shtime it was responsible for the highway Niš-Durrës.Bashkim Çerkini, Master Degree Thesis, Academic Year 2011–2012, University of Business and Technology - UBT, Prishtina, May 2012, Pg.13
Early history
Ferizaj opened the first financial institution which credited "Kisha e Shën Uroshit" in 1907 with a starting capital of 324.000 groschen"Ferizaj dhe rrethina1873-1941" Dr. Shaban Hashani 1998/"Ferizaj and the suburb 1873–1941 Dr. Shaban Hashani 1998 The first steps of the formation of the city happened at the second half of the 19th century (1873). Due to the formation, it resulted in the trade development - which comprises the tertiary sector of the economy. Therefore, traders have been the earliest inhabitants of the city. One of the most important factors of the historical past of Ferizaj and its economic development is the construction of the railway line and station in the 19th century (1874) during the period of Ottoman Empire occupation, being the first railway line in Kosovo. This construction has been an important asset for the transportation of passengers and goods within Kosovo. Due to the railway line it changed the physiognomy of the settlement, which today is the third most populated city in Kosovo.Komuna e Ferizajit - Drejtoria e Urbanizmit, Pronës, Kadastrit Gjeodezisë dhe Mbrojtjes së Ambientit/Ferizaj Municipality - The Department of Urban Planning, Property, Cadastre, Geodesy and Environment Protection, Plani Zhvillimor Urban i Ferizajt 2008–2015+/Urban Development Plan of Ferizaj 2008–2015+, October 2009, Pg.9
Ferizaj through years Compared with other municipalities, Ferizaj is a relatively new settlement, which means that its economy has developed in the recent years. The earliest base of the economy of Ferizaj were mainly crafts and trade. For example, in 1900, from the 400 buildings Ferizaj had at that time 200 of them were stores.Komuna e Ferizajit - Drejtoria e Urbanizmit, Pronës, Kadastrit Gjeodezisë dhe Mbrojtjes së Ambientit/Ferizaj Municipality - The Department of Urban Planning, Property, Cadastre, Geodesy and Environment Protection, Plani Zhvillimor Urban i Ferizajt 2008–2015+/Urban Development Plan of Ferizaj 2008–2015+, October 2009, Pg.9 The main craft activities were plis, filigree and shoe makers. One of the first businesses established in Ferizaj was a hotel, whose owner was Feriz Shasivari (from where the name descended). Many factories were built during the occupation of ex-Federation of Yugoslavia in Kosovo, causing rapid industry and economic development. Almost all the enterprises were established at the time of the Second World War (1941), from which only the brick factory is existent from that time. Before the last war in Kosovo that happened in the 90s, Ferizaj had well developed metal, wood processing, food, and construction industries; forestry and agriculture. The collapse of Kosovo's autonomy, followed by the application of violence and massive removal of Albanian workers from their places of work which had major negative consequences on Ferizaj's economy. After the Kosovo war, efforts were made to consolidate these enterprises revitalization and capacities, but the results were not very encouraging.Komuna e Ferizajit - Drejtoria e Urbanizmit, Pronës, Kadastrit Gjeodezisë dhe Mbrojtjes së Ambientit/Ferizaj Municipality - The Department of Urban Planning, Property, Cadastre, Geodesy and Environment Protection, Plani Zhvillimor Urban i Ferizajt 2008–2015+/Urban Development Plan of Ferizaj 2008–2015+, October 2009, Pg.9 Nowadays, Ferizaj is converted into an important economic center. Some factories and former enterprises still operate to date e.g. "Fabrika e Tubave të Çelikta" (Metal Tubes Factory), "Fabrika e vajit" (Oil Factory), "Kombinati i drurit" (Wood Procession Factory), and "Fabrika e tullave" (Brick Factory), have built the base for the economic development of the municipality. Drejtoria per ekonomi ne Ferizaj/The economy Department of Ferizaj
Even though the municipality of Ferizaj economic development came out of the war with a very fragile economy, its transition period began building a sustainable economic system based primarily on the development of the small and medium enterprises, although not at a satisfactory level. Ferizaj municipality based on geographic position and its resources has a bright perspective in terms of economic development in all its branches. For a short and medium term perspective UNs Economic development opportunities are in the construction industry, wood processing industry, tourism and agribusiness. The credit policy significantly affected the current lending policies unless there are changes. As a result, it will only complicate the developmental perspective in the near future of our municipality and Kosovo in general.
Natural resources Ferizaj has a large mountainous part covered with trees, the Šar Mountains, which area presents one of the main natural wealth resources, having a very diverse flora and fauna world and distinct minerals that haven't been very well studied yet. The flat areas are mainly covered by deposits of the Neogene era, which contain useful minerals such as quartz sand close to the village of Mirosala, argil, mineral water close to the village of Burrnik, petroleum reserves, zinc and lead. Ferizaj has a plenty of underground resources, including here natural and mineral water.Komuna e Ferizajit/Municipality of Ferizaj, Strategjia e zhvillimit ekonomik lokal 2005–2007/Strategy of local economic development 2005–2007, Ferizaj, March 2005, Pg.8-9 A good example of wise use of these resources is the Miros water processing factory .
Table of natural resources Habitations Underground fortunes Mines and minerals surfaces Forest cutting areasBabush Coal Coal Bibaj Quartz sand Argil Burrnik 23%Dremjak 2%Jezerc 1%Koshare Coal Mirosalë Quartz sand Nikadin Humus Pleshinë 10%Rahovicë 1% Komuna e Ferizajit - Drejtoria e Urbanizmit, Pronës, Kadastrit Gjeodezisë dhe Mbrojtjes së Ambientit/Ferizaj Municipality - The Department of Urban Planning, Property, Cadastre, Geodesy and Environment Protection, Plani Zhvillimor Urban i Ferizajt 2008–2015+/Urban Development Plan of Ferizaj 2008–2015+, October 2009, Pg.59
The role of the Local Administration in the economic development of Ferizaj The municipal administration despite budget difficulties is trying to create the conditions, facilities in all areas for small and medium businesses. In the budget approved for 2008, municipal administration in the capital investment program amounts €2,300,000, a symbolic value, enough for the economic development of the Municipality of Ferizaj. The municipal administration has reached agreements with the investor from Slovenia to build "Technological Park" at the planned industrial area in Gurëz, there will be built about 36 factories of various profiles and will be able to employ about 600 employees, also the municipal administration is in negotiations with the Swedish prestigious firm EC PLAST, which is very interested in technology transfer and its capital in the municipality. Also, the local administration of Ferizaj is in contact with our business who exercise their business abroad, without hesitating to bring their capital experience here in their place, because Ferizaj municipality already is creating adequate conditions for businesses.Bashkim Çerkini, Master Degree Thesis, Academic Year 2011–2012, University of Business and Technology - UBT, Prishtina, May 2012, Pg.4 and 5
Economic activity
Komuna e Ferizajit - Drejtoria e Urbanizmit, Pronës, Kadastrit Gjeodezisë dhe Mbrojtjes së Ambientit/Ferizaj Municipality - The Department of Urban Planning, Property, Cadastre, Geodesy and Environment Protection, Plani Zhvillimor Urban i Ferizajt 2008–2015+/Urban Development Plan of Ferizaj 2008–2015+, October 2009, Pg.59
Sectors of the economy development of Ferizaj include : The Public Sector or state sector The Private Sector or privately run businesses. Bashkim Çerkini, Master Degree Thesis, Academic Year 2011–2012, University of Business and Technology - UBT, Prishtina, May 2012, Pg.13
In the municipality of Ferizaj. the economic activity is developed by 25 social and private enterprises. The oil factory, which was commercialized in September 2001 has 160 full-time employees. 25 of these employees receive social assistance, and gives support to 20 of them. The average incomes are 325 euro. The other commercialized enterprise is the Exotic fruits' production and processing factory "Minex" which has 210 employees. The privatized enterprises in the municipality of Ferizaj are: "Plantacioni i pemëve" (The trees plantation), has 67 employees, and The Wood Combine named: "Tefik Qanga".Komuna e Ferizajit/Municipality of Ferizaj, Strategjia e zhvillimit ekonomik lokal 2005–2007/Strategy of local economic development 2005–2007, Ferizaj, March 2005, Pg.12-13
Private sector Today, the private sector of economy presents its main economic base. According to the data from the Department for Economy and Finance of the Municipality of Ferizaj the number of small and medium registered businesses reaches 4413, in which businesses are employed 9,137 workers. Ferizaj has its business registration center, where taxes for small businesses is 5 euro, while for corporations is 22 euro. Based on the statistics of Businesses Registration Centre in Ferizaj, for a period of 6 months business activities have legalized over 400 new businesses.Komuna e Ferizajit/Municipality of Ferizaj, Strategjia e zhvillimit ekonomik lokal 2005–2007/Strategy of local economic development 2005–2007, Ferizaj, March 2005, Pg.13
Development of industry and business in Ferizaj There are a number of aids available to Small-Medium Businesses (NVM) by local organizations and international such as: OEK, EICC, REA, USAID and others. Organizations provide assistance to enable the development of new products and market. Support has also certain institutions in the state level, in order to create the climate in favor of economic development. This refers in particular the establishment of professional education, certification standards, quality management, production, etc. products. All these activities can contribute to the stabilization of NVM-se as important basis of Ferizaj Kosovo economy and liberties for more products in the Kosovo market, while also providing employment opportunities.