“Our meetings of all levels have confirmed that there exist spaces and opportunities that cooperation between the two countries takes a new dimension,” said Prime Minister Rama
TIRANA, Feb. 26 – Already considered a strategic partner, the Albanian government intends to further boost economic relations with Turkey.
In an economic forum with Turkish investors in Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama pledged to reduce bureaucracy and improve the business climate.
“We consider you as ambassadors and promoters of our country. We will improve the business climate by reducing bureaucracy,” said Rama pledging automatic VAT refunds in 60 days.
“Albania’s relationship with Turkey is a historic relationship, not only thanks to geographical and cultural affinity. Our meetings of all levels have confirmed that there exist spaces and opportunities that cooperation between the two countries takes a new dimension,” added Rama.
The launch of the Albanian-Turkish Center of Commerce and Industry is expected to give a new impetus to trade relations between the two countries. Established in 2012 and having started its activity since January 2013, as a Chamber with very wide activity, the Centre is an independent organization for the promotion, development and support of business, industry and training in Albania, Turkey and internationally.
With the Headquarter in Tirana, the Center operates in other branches in Albania like Shkodra, Vlora, Kor衬 Fier, Elbasan, Gjirokaster and Kukes and also in the most important/big cities of Turkey.
Albanian exports to Turkey have been considerably rising in the past few years climbing from Euro 17 in 2008 to Euro 70 million in 2010 to Euro 106 million in 2011. In 2012 exports to Turkey dropped to Euro 93 million.
Meanwhile, imports from Turkey rose to Euro 218 million in 2012, up from Euro 196 million in 2010, according to central bank data.
Latest Bank of Albania data rank Turkey as the fifth most important investor in Albania with FDI stock at 281 million euros at the end of 2011.
Turkish businesses are constantly increasing their presence in Albania. Turkey’s Calik Group, which is present in Albania with fixed-line operator Albtelecom, Eagle Mobile and Banka Kombetare Tregtare (BKT Bank), is the most successful Turkish company in Albania.
Other investments include the steel plant in Elbasan which is also run by Turkey’s Kurum and the Turgut al Education Company, which has also established the system of Turkish primary and high schools in Albania since 1992 and most recently the Epoka University.
