TIRANA, July.24- Albanian business is celebrating the end of the political crisis, which had there been early elections, more insecurity and unfavorable economic conditions. The large association of Albanian producers and industry leaders, Konfindustria, hailed the election of Bamir Topi and expressed relief that the political crisis is now over. Gjergj Buxhuku, administrator of Konfindustria, said he hopes the new president will assist the business community through enhancing the dialogue between the administration and business groups. Such cooperation has started and has shown progress, as in the recent case of the changes made in the new fiscal package. He explained that early elections would have immediately translated into an insecure market that would have generated fewer sales, less revenues and consequently fewer investments. Even when a country is having normal elections the expected political instability disrupts markets. The same concern was echoed previously by Finance Minister Ridvan Bode, who said that early elections would have an immediate effect on the state budget, the predicted investment and the allocated funds from donors.
The fiscal package
The association also hailed the changes made in the new fiscal package which ensure protective measures for local production. In this context, Konfindustria, strongly approved the measures taken to promote the domestic beer and wine industries while still respecting European standards. Buxhuku confirms that this is the first case of a success achieved by a collaboration between business and government. “The fact that the common language between government and business has resulted in promotional and protective measures for the local production is positive and should be stressed,” he said.
