Mirëdita. Dobar dan. Good morning everybody.
Mayor Ahmeti, representatives of KFC, thank you very much for this celebration and for inviting me to be here. I can tell you, it’s an absolute pleasure for me to be here and to see so many potential customers of all ages.
The opening of KFC is a major step in demonstrating an improved investment climate in Kosovo – as the Mayor noted a few minutes ago. We hope that this KFC will be the first of many U.S. franchises that will help increase employment, as Misty mentioned, here in Kosovo.
Colonel Harland Sanders – this guy here – the founder of KFC, had many different jobs prior to his success selling chicken as Misty explained few minutes ago. He worked on a railroad, at a gas station, and sold life insurance – just to name a few of his jobs. His career path, and his success with KFC in the later stages of his career, shows us that perseverance – perhaps along with 11 herbs and spices – is a key ingredient to becoming a great entrepreneur.
The United States’ strongly values and actively promotes the entrepreneurial spirit because it encourages innovation and is a significant job creator for our economy. I am pleased to see the entrepreneurial spirit operating here in Kosovo expanding to include options from abroad, such as franchises from the United States, and adding jobs to Kosovo’s economy.
I know many of my American friends at the Embassy and elsewhere are excited that they can now enjoy a piece of home away from home through the delicious items that KFC offers, and I am pleased to see so many other people here just waiting to taste the examples that you mentioned.
I want to congratulate KAN LLC for initiating this venture and I look forward to seeing KFC here and elsewhere in Kosovo and Balkans develop and prosper.
Thank you all very much. I appreciate being here.
