Discusses the distribution network within the country from how products enter to final destination, including reliability and condition of distribution mechanisms, major distribution centers, ports, etc.

Many local importers are also wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. Until 2001, retail goods were sold almost exclusively through small, family-owned businesses.  In the last several years, locally-owned supermarket chains ETC, Meridian Express, and Viva Fresh opened large stores in key cities, and foreign companies have partnered with local businesses to open large furniture stores, such as JYSK and Lesna, and supermarkets, such as Interex and Conad.  Because Kosovo is land-locked, all goods arrive by road, limited rail service from Macedonia, or air.  Goods usually arrive at border crossing points and are then taken to customs terminals for clearance.  The closest seaports are Durres, Albania, and Thessaloniki, Greece (about 130 miles and 170 miles from Pristina respectively).  A recently-built highway connects Pristina to Durres with a drive time of less than four hours.  A new highway connecting Pristina with the border of Macedonia is expected to be completed in 2018, shortening the drive time to less than an hour.  
 

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