Manufacturers tell government to do more to help the sector

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania’s manufacturing industry made a list of requests at a meeting with top government officials this week, complaining about delays in VAT reimbursement, payment of taxes on imported machinery as well as the social and health contribution system for employees.
The sector’s representatives also said they were concerned about the minimum wage the government intends to increase, a move the business community opposes.
Many of the concerns came at a meeting with Economy Minister Dritan Prifti, who said he will take note of them, and coordinate with other ministries in order offer solutions.
He said the manufacturing sector needs to be supported as it employees a lot of Albanians.
“It has been a focus of the government to encourage businesses by reducing taxes, something not seen anywhere in the world during a time of crisis,” Prifti said.
The government has also announced a fund several million euros as a stimulus for the manufacturing sector, offering low interest loans for investment, upgrades in technology and purchasing machinery, among other things.
On the same line, Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta told the group of business representatives that the manufacturing sector needs government support.
“Business is going through hard times, due to the effects of the economic crisis abroad, and manufacturing businesses are among those really touched by this,” Meta said.
Because most of these businesses produce for export, they are affected by lowered demand in countries affected by the recession, he added.
Business representatives like Edmond Ziso, who manufactures for export, told the government officials that if their requests are heard, within three years, companies will be able to double exports and the number of employees they hire.
The debate then revolved round VAT reimbursement procedures, for which businesses want to be credited directly in taxes they owe for the next years.
There were complaints in the declaration of employees, where business representatives said the process was too complicated. They asked to do the registration online to save time.
Other requests related to the removal of VAT tax on machinery and equipment bought by manufacturing sector companies.
The government officials also promised more assistance for technical training and ISO certification.