“Gjedra” is a leading exporter of medicinal herbs and plants to Europe and the United States of America. A successful enterprise in the medicinal herbs and plant market for more than 25 years, Gjedra’s exports grew by 33% this year. Its owner attributes his company’s success to the fiscal incentives offered by the government, including the removal of tax rate for manufacturing machinery and equipment and the most recent decision to cut the Value Added Tax to six percent only from a previous rate of 20 percent. Most recently he has applied to receive funding under the European Union’s instrument for pre-accession for agriculture and rural development IPARD II programme, with the help of which he plans to materialize his project on expanding the plant and introducing new products to the market.

Prime Minister Edi Rama visited “Gjedra” factory in Berat that has employed 60 workers and more than 2700 farmers involved in medicinal herbs collection and processing chain.

“We have been involved in the export of medicinal herbs for about 25 years and we export to all over Europe, including Germany, Spain, France. For several years now, we are also exporting our products to the United States of America, exporting about 800 tons of sage. Almost half of our 60 workers have been working with us for almost 25 years. Their salary ranges from 260 000 to 450 000 ALL. But besides the employees, we are also cooperating with about 2700 farmers we have trained for the oregano, sage, and thyme collection. This year’s exports grew by 33%,” said the entrepreneur, whose ambition is to increase the employees number by expanding the factory.

Speaking about the project he plans to implement with the support under the IPARD programme, the entrepreneur points out the great employment potentials and income generation in this sector.

“We plan to hire 60 more workers as we are seeking to include fruit processing. The new project does not provide for processing of fruits and herbs together. We will also hike the salaries for our workers. However, we need to make more investments to expand our business facilities,” he said.

Prime Minister Edi Rama pledged his government support for entrepreneurs and business community in developing their innovation projects.

“We are totally committed to support business and the government will provide significant funding to create fresh opportunities for business and employment growth,” the Premier said.

The entrepreneur acknowledged that the government fiscal incentives have had a significant positive impact on performance outcomes of his business.