Croatian and Albanian ministers discuss bilateral co-operation

ZAGREB, Oct. 23 – Bilateral co-operation in the field of small and mid-size entrepreneurs was discussed during meetings of the Albanian delegation of the Economy Ministry, headed by Minister Genc Ruli, with his Croatian counterpart, Branko Vukelic.
According to a statement, the meeting was dominated by topics on co-operation in the field of small and mid-size entrepreneurs, as well as the participation of Croatian companies in the privatization process in Albania.
The two parties agreed, according to Vukelic, to begin the procedure based upon a co-operation memo written by the two countries focusing on small and mid-size entrepreneurs.
The Albanian delegation was requested to support an initiative on establishing a regional centre for education of small and mid-size entrepreneurs in Croatia, which has strong support from the European Commission for the creation of this project because of the progress that was made in this area over the past few years.
The Croatian minister said a more significant economic delegation will participate in this year’s Autumn Fair in Albania, which should give additional incentive to the development of economic relations between the two countries, which are measured by goods traded, which are still considered inadequate in relation to their potential.
Although the total trade between Croatia and Albania increased last year by almost 50 percent compared to 2005, it still was only $33.6 million, out of which more than 30 million dollars came from Croatian exports into Albania.
Minister Ruli expressed the interest of the Albanian delegation in increased co-operation with Croatian companies in the field of energy. He pointed out that Ina oil company was invited to take part in the privatization of the Albanian national oil company.
He also said that Albania was planning the construction of several hydroelectric power plants and expected that Croatian companies would show interest in those projects, especially those companies which are already present on the Albanian market, like Montmontaza, Dalekovod, Konstruktor, etc.