Albania urges Italy to cut ‘fixed’ transport tax

Tirana, December 23, 2015

The Minister of Transports and Infrastructure Edmond Haxhinasto welcomed in a meeting the new Italian ambassador to Tirana, Alberto Cutillo, at the Ministry of Transports premises in Tirana. The two high ranked officials discussed about the ‘fixed’ transport tax that Italy has been applying to Albanian traders since 1956. According to the Minister Haxhinasto, Albania is the only country in the European continent that still pays this type of tax. This is not the first time Albania is requesting to Italy to cut this tax, claiming that it increases the costs of Albanian exporters and damages the country’s economy.

Another discussion theme was the increase of Italian investments in Albania. Haxhinasto urged the Italian ambassador to lobby for Albania in order to increase the number of Italian FDIs to Albania, mainly in the infrastructure sector and in services. The officials stressed the excellent cooperation of Albania and Italy in fields of transport, waste water management and drainage systems.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister Haxhinasto praised Italy’s support shown for Albania in its efforts to become member of the European Union. Since Albania became a democratic country after the fall of communism in 1990, Italy still remains the main trade partner of the country and the two countries have excellent political relations since then.

READ: Albania urges Italy to cut transportation tax for Albanian businesses

News source/photo credits: ATA