KOSOVO: 2008 BFIF REPORTING

UNCLAS PRISTINA 000432 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EEB/CBA - DWINSTEAD, EEB/EX, EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AFIN BEXP BTIO ECON EINV ETRD ADPM SUBJECT: KOSOVO: 2008 BFIF REPORTING REF: A. STATE A)073258 ¶B. B)072184 ¶C. C)036451 ¶1. The following is an accounting of funds spent to send Embassy Pristina's Commercial Assistant to attend a one-week Professional Development Training Forum hosted by the Department of Commerce in July 2008. Total BFIF Fund Cite: US$4,300.00 Per Diem: US$1,774.42 - 1980113-1005-1005800157-2251-2589 Air Ticket: US$2,317.68 - 1980113-1005-1005800157-2251-2589 Total Funds Obligated: US$4,092.10 Balance Remaining: US$207.90 ¶2. Embassy Pristina would like to thank EEB/CBA for their support to realize this training project. Post's sole LES Commercial Assistant, Fatmir Morina, held his position for more than two years before receiving formal training in his primary work responsibilities. Although already performing at a high level, providing Mr. Morina with concrete guidance on Department of Commerce policies or initiatives is difficult without the assistance of Commerce personnel directly at Post. Mr. Morina was exposed to the full range of Commercial Service topics and skills sets needed to be fully successful in his position at the Professional Development Training Forum. The training was highly interactive, covering a range of topics, and touched on both the practical and theoretical aspects of commercial work overseas. It also gave Mr. Morina the chance to hone skills he uses daily, and acquire new skills he may need in the future as demand for commercial services increases, such as creating and giving public presentations, networking and utilizing contacts, and directing businesses to sources of finance. ¶3. Mr. Morina plans to develop his understanding of key growth industries in Kosovo based on the models provided during the training, in order to better serve clients. The training has provided him with a better understanding of the Washington component of his work, and a better sense of who to call when specific guidance is required. He also obtained practical information about Commerce Department intranet sites where he can register requests for commercial services and report on commercial diplomacy and advocacy activities. Mr. Morina was able to put his training to work almost immediately after returning to Post. Drawing from an in-depth lecture on export regulations and controls, Mr. Morina was able to correctly assist a company interested in importing bullet proof vests to Kosovo, a dual-use technology. Post is pleased with the results of this training and anticipates stronger commercial portfolio results in the future. ¶4. Post looks forward to participating in the BFIF program again next year. YAZDGERDI