CBK Governor Ahmet Ismaili meets new JVI Director Ben Kelmanson to deepen cooperation and strengthen institutional capacities

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, was warmly received by the new Director of the Joint Vienna Institute (JVI), Mr. Ben Kelmanson. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between the two institutions to support capacity development.

Governor Ismaili expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the JVI and acknowledged the Institute’s long-standing contribution to building the professional capacity of CBK staff. He also congratulated Mr. Kelmanson on his new position, extending his best wishes for success in this important role and highlighting the excellent cooperation previously enjoyed with former Director, Hervé Joly.

During the meeting, Governor Ismaili presented an overview of Kosovo’s macroeconomic and financial landscape, emphasizing the country’s positive developments and CBK’s Strategic Plan and key initiatives, including strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing cooperation with peer European central banks, the IMF, the World Bank, and other international partners.

In turn, Mr. Kelmanson expressed his strong commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the CBK, in the areas of capacity building and joint initiatives of mutual interest.

Looking ahead, Governor Ismaili and Mr. Kelmanson discussed ways to deepen collaboration, possibly including more tailored training, regional workshops, and programs to enhance managerial capacity and support the growth of young leaders within the institution.

JVI remains the primary international training platform for CBK staff, who have gained extensive expertise through programs covering macroeconomic policies and forecasting, financial stability and banking supervision, non-bank finance and financial markets, as well as emerging areas including financial technology and governance. The Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) is a regional training centre primarily for public sector officials from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Established in 1992 by the Austrian Authorities (represented by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Austrian National Bank – Oesterreichische Nationalbank), the International Monetary Fund, and several other international organizations, the JVI has played a key role in enhancing professional capacities in the region.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of the continued partnership between the CBK and the JVI and its partners in advancing knowledge, expertise, and institutional development of the CBK, thereby contributing to Kosovo’s economic stability and the resilience of its financial sector.