Building skills for growth: Luxembourg supports Kosovo's wood processing sector

The eighth edition of the Wood Industry Convention, organised by the Association of Wood Processors of Kosovo (AWPK), took place on 26 November 2025 in Prishtina. AWPK is a partner of the Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project, funded by the Government of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. The collaboration promotes dual education in the wood processing sector-a field with strong potential for job creation and long-term economic growth.

During the convention, Luan HOTI, Vocational Education and Training Expert from LuxDev, joined a panel on donor support for the sector.

He highlighted two key areas where the project is investing to ensure sustainable impact: strengthening the supply of skilled workers and supporting systemic change through a forthcoming grant scheme.

Developed in cooperation with KIESA, the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency, this scheme will encourage private companies to form consortiums to provide training for young workers, including reskilling and upskilling programmes.

Around 8,600 people were employed in the sector in 2023, with steady growth in furniture production and in the doors and windows subsector.

The industry is a significant employer within manufacturing, offering a wide range of jobs-from carpentry and production to finishing, quality control, and logistics.

As a labour-intensive sector, it provides opportunities for youth, vocational graduates, and potentially for women and underrepresented groups with targeted support.

The sector remains strategically important for Kosovo's economic diversification, rural employment, and increased value-added manufacturing.

The Wood Association, in collaboration with four universities – Prishtina University, University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, AAB College and University for Business and Technology – organised a competition for the best design in the wood industry, highlighting the most innovative ideas in the wood-processing sector.
 

The Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. The project aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation, inclusiveness, and social development in a greener Kosovo.