Albanian and Kosovan Producers Seek Economic Unification

TIRANA, January 12

Albanian, Kosovan, and Macedonian producers call for concrete steps by the respective governments regarding economic unification. Even though the countries of the region are looking forward to a Western Balkans common market, economic barriers are still present in the region. Countries like Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia need to take measures in order to handle the other Balkan economies when the joint market will be created. Representatives of Albanian and Kosovan producers gathered in a meeting in Tirana and they highlighted that there are no obstacles in the unification process. Moreover, the chairman of the Albanian Association of Producers Bardhyl Balteza pointed out that this community promoted cooperation between businesses from the three countries.
“A common market requires equal conditions. The Balkan governments subsidize businesses. There’s no way that one economy that pays 10 cents per kWh competes with an economy that pays 5 cents per kWh. This will be reflected in lower wages,” Balteza said.
In the meantime, the chair of the Kosovan club of Producers, Astrit Shabani highlighted the need for unified economic policies as a step for encouraging entrepreneurship.
On his part, the representative of Albanian producers in Macedonia Nagip Fejzi appealed to all Albanians to buy and consume Albanian products not only as a way of support but also because they meet high-quality standards.
News source: TCh
Photo Credit: E. R