The 18-strong taskforce discussed its plans at its first formal meeting, held at the Department of Trade and Industry’s London offices last Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by DTI minister John Battle and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Office and major contractors.
A DTI spokesman said it was essential to get a group of representatives from the construction industry into Kosovo at the “earliest opportunity, to assess the situation and the potential scope for UK businesses to help with Kosovo’s regeneration”.
Nigel Thompson, chairman of the taskforce and deputy chairman of Ove Arup & Partners, said: “A small team will be going out pretty soon to look at what is needed once we get MOD clearance, but it won’t be before Monday.” Thompson said that about six taskforce members, accompanied by Battle, would travel to the region. This group is likely to include Amec’s international business development director Ian Thomas, Mott MacDonald’s commercial and marketing director Mike Viney, and Taylor Woodrow Construction’s chairman and managing director Bruce Russell.
Once we return, we’ll advise companies what exactly is required for the reconstruction
Migel Thompson, Chairman, Kosovo Reconstruction Taskforce
Thompson said: “Once we return, we’ll have a formal conference advising companies what exactly is required for the reconstruction of the region. We’ll be looking for UK companies to form joint ventures with other European partners and companies in the Balkans.” Amec’s Thomas added: “John Battle is very keen to get things moving but we can’t go in there until all the Serbs are out of Kosovo and, under the peace agreement, that can’t happen until Monday night. The soonest we can go out there is next Tuesday.
“Each of the contractors and firms involved will target different work sectors on behalf of UK plc. We hope to concentrate on connecting electricity and getting some health centres up and running quickly.” Thomas added that UK contractors were already being asked to submit bids to provide temporary accommodation for displaced refugees before winter.
