Prime Minister Edi Rama began today a visit to Stuttgart, capital of Baden-Württemberg, Germany’s third largest state. The Prime Minister is accompanied on this visit by the Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Enterprise Arben Ahmetaj.

The Prime Minister had his first meeting with the Prime Minister of the state of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, to discuss on the possibilities and areas of cooperation. In this respect, the two dignitaries agreed on the need to establish a joint working group to assess these possibilities.

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Kretschmann expressed his consideration for undertaking a difficult course of reforms, which are important for the country and its European perspective.

“Since you’ve been in office, Dear Mr. Prime Minister, you have decisively brought forward reforms, such as those in the public administration, the judiciary, fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as reforms in the area of taxes, fees and labor market. We are aware that the path you have taken is not easy, but I’m sure that patience and resistance will be rewarded. We want to support you with all our strength”- Mr. Kretschmann said.

The promotion of cooperation, particularly in the field of knowledge and vocational education was another topic of this meeting. According to Prime Minister Rama, what Albania can benefit from Germany is especially a high level expertise.

“We strongly believe that every contact with this country and the institutions of this country is a unique opportunity to learn. There are a number of areas where there is much to learn from you. In Albania, we are seeing every day the benefit of learning from you, such as the dual system of vocational education. Thanks to cooperation with Germany and to German experience, the number of young people entering vocational education has increased by 40% in the first year only.

In addition, we found that the chances to find a job by those who complete vocational education are 20% higher than the chances of those who complete general secondary education, and only 1% lower than those who graduate from university. This is a modest example that shows how much we can do in Albania, if we have the opportunity to learn from the most advanced experiences in Europe, and particularly in Germany. Of course, there are a number of specific areas mentioned by the Prime Minister, where we are very confident that we can benefit from your experience and advice” – Prime Minister Rama said.

Prime Minister Kretschmann offered support to develop vocational education, but also to see the possibilities of active cooperation in other fields. “We can also cooperate in the field of energy and environment, as well as for the cooperation between our police forces.”

Prime Minister Rama noted that the Albanian government welcomes gratefully any help and any potential entrepreneur. “Let me thank you from the heart, Mr. Prime Minister! Also, let me express our full willingness to cooperate with you and welcome your technical assistance, but also any enterprise of your state that is interested to invest in Albania.”

 

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At the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Prime Minister met also with investors of the automobile industry of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.

Prime Minister Edi Rama presented an overview of the progress in Albania, and of the economic, fiscal and administrative reforms, as well as of the initiatives in the legal framework to facilitate the climate of doing business and investments.

German investors operating in this sector were invited to explore investment opportunities in Albania, where the fiscal system and labor costs are a priority. They were also offered the support of the Albanian government to successfully invest in Albania.