Slovenia Seeking Ways of Boosting Trade with Albania

Tirana, 20 June

There are a lot of unused opportunities between Slovenia and Albania in terms of economic cooperation, Economic Affairs Minister Andrej Vizjak said as he addressed an Albanian-Slovenian business forum in Tirana on Tuesday.

Indeed, Albania could present an important market for Slovenian companies, he said, adding that the "business forum is one of the pieces in the puzzle that could deepen the economic and political cooperation between the two."
At the forum, a part of his one-day visit to Albania, Vizjak pointed out the 12 June stabilisation and association agreement between Albania and the European Union.
Besides representing another step by Albania towards the EU, it is also important for economic cooperation between Slovenia and Albania, as it presents basic guidelines for such cooperation, he added.
Slovenia also supports the continuing stabilisation of economic and political situation in Albania, he explained, adding that "EU enlargement and stabilisation of the situation in Albania will be two of Slovenia's priorities of the country's stint as the EU president in 2008".
His Albanian counterpart Genc Ruli stressed that Albania wants foreign investment in all areas, which would also increase the country's competitiveness.
Ruli believes Slovenian companies would get their chance to invest during the privatisation of the telecommunication and energy sectors.
The businessmen from both countries welcomed the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries, with the Albanians saying that getting a Slovenian visa is complicated.
Vizjak also met Albanian PM Sali Berisha, who expressed his readiness to help Slovenian investors by cutting red tape and giving them as many tax breaks as possible when entering the Albanian market. "I'm sure we are welcome in Albania," Vizjak said after the meeting.
According to the Slovenian Statistical Office, the trade between the two countries amounted to EUR 20.4m, a 23% increase over 2004. Slovenia recorded a large surplus, as its exports amounted to EUR 18.4m.

Slovenia Seeking Ways of Boosting Trade with Albania

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