Euro’s free fall, energy uncertainties could hit Albania’s poorly diversified exports

TIRANA, Dec. 4 – Albania’s exports are heading for double-digit growth rates for the second consecutive year, but uncertainties about euro’s free fall against the local currency, a hydro-dependent electricity sector and oil and mineral sales depending on fluctuating commodity prices could pose a threat to the country’s economic growth outlook. Albania’s poorly diversified exports of goods grew by around 15 percent to 231.4 billion lek (€1.85 billion) in the first three quarters of this year to account for only half what the country imports, seemingly defying the negative effects that the sharp strengthening of Albanian’s national currency against Europe’s…