Trashani consults Interim Agreement with business community

TIRANA, March.10- Three months have passed since Albania started implementing the Interim Agreement with the EU. A formal discussion was organized between the Integration ministry and the business community organized by a collaboration project between the ministry and the Chamber of Commerce. Minister Trashani addressed the need to improve the trade balance by promoting exports. She acknowledged that the gradual entrance in the common European market has to be accompanied with several difficulties given the harsh competitive environment. Hence the need to restructure the economy and improve the services offered by state institutions in order to assist the business community in this long and arduous task. Common discussion tables are a must in this case in order to assist the coordinated efforts of the government with the adaptation process of the businesses. During this meeting business representatives appreciated the efforts of the state institutions especially the customs office in increasing the transparency related to the new procedures. The zero customs fee has influenced the amount of trade in Albania. In a study conducted by the World Bank the Albanian economy can assist integration through shifting its economic focus form agriculture towards the light industry of textiles and construction material production.