Customs administration collects an extra $22 million

TIRANA, Dec. 2 – Albania’s customs administration which during the past two months has been led by the Socialist Party, says it collected an extra 2.2 billion lek (USD 22 million, Euro 15 million) in October-November 2013, compared to the same period a year ago. Speaking in a press conference this week, Elisa Spiropali, the country’s chief customs officer, said the improved situation was a result of fight against corruption and the identification of a series of violations worth 1.7 billion lek (Euro 11.8 million) during the past two months. She said the customs administration was giving a priority to concerns raised by business community in meeting with chambers of commerce to improve fight against corruption, intensify dialogue and increase transparency. The customs administration has also announced an anti-corruption hotline.