Competitiveness and Private Sector Development Sector Specific Sources of Competitiveness in the Western Balkans Recommendation for a Regional Investment Strategy

The Western Balkan region benefits from a cost-competitive labour force and geographic and cultural proximity to EU markets. However, cost competitiveness as a source of differentiation is not sustainable. Cost levels are increasing gradually in some sectors, reducing firms' profitability. In order to sustain competitiveness, the Western Balkans needs to move up the value chain, from investing in ...