Opposition invited to support privatization process

TIRANA, March 1 – Economy Minister Nasip Naco has called on the opposition Socialist Party (SP) to distance itself from declarations that it will cancel privatizations as soon as it comes to power. Speaking at a hearing session at the parliamentary economy committee on Tuesday, Naco asked the opposition to support the privatization process saying that political statements would curb foreign investors from investing in Albania.
However, Arben Malaj, a SP deputy and former Finance Ministry insisted the opposition would review all privatization contracts as soon as it comes to power. “If investors have privatized these objects under the Constitution, I would encourage them to increase their investments but if verifications prove they have obtained them by bribing politicians or public administration officials, they will be cancelled,” warned Malaj.
Assuring of full transparency, Economy Minister said government had already concluded the assessment for 350 assets worth 4.2 billion lek.
Naco said the privatization process was entering its final phase inviting all interested persons and companies to visit the newly launched www.privatizime.al website. Apart from collecting large amount for public investments at a short time, the privatization process is also aimed at reinvigorating private enterprise which will also increase employment opportunities in less developed areas. Government says the process targets some special social groups such as former land owners and employees who used to work in the closed enterprises. The Economy Ministry says it has ordered to establishment of 380 commissions to assess 450 assets, which are currently being examined.
Few days ago, government announced it had identified 1,280 public assets including strategic enterprises it intends to privatize by the end of this year, a move which the opposition Socialist Party has described as corruptive ahead of next May’s local elections. The privatization list includes remaining state owned shares in strategic oil, and phone companies, small hydropower plants, military facilities and small and medium-sized enterprises, except for big hydropower plants and dams, schools, hospitals and public buildings and offices which will remain under state ownership.
The sale of the remaining important public assets such as oil producer Albpetrol, INSIG insurer, the remaining state-owned shares in fixed-line Albtelecom and power distribution operator would bring another 100 to 150 million euros this year, according to government plans in mid-2010.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha said his Democratic Party-led ruling coalition was set to complete the full privatization process by this year in an effort to fight corruption and end inefficiency in the state-run enterprises.