THE ECONOMIC FORUM OF VIENNA, A PERIODIC PLATFORM OF DEBATES ON THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE EUROPEAN AND GLOBAL ECONOMY, TODAY HELD A SPECIAL CONFERENCE ON ALBANIA, WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA.

The Prime Minister thanked the organizers of this conference, pointing out that the invitation to participate was welcomed as an extraordinary opportunity to present to potential Austrian investors opportunities and advantages for investment in Albania.

In his speech, the Prime Minister discussed the first emergency measures to stem the economic slowdown, to develop a new economic model based on sustainable economic growth and reforms in key sectors of the economy. In addition, public investments must be a priority so that government’s support will go where it is needed and a new approach in relations between the state and the business will be implemented.

“We”, Prime Minister said, “are fully aware that Albania needs a radical change.”

“We have taken the first steps and are encouraged by the response we’ve had – from Chancellor Merkel, when I recently met with her in Berlin – but also from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, governments and other institutions, who see the path we are walking and are willing to support us.”

The Albanian government, Prime Minister Rama noted, is working hard to establish the foundations of a sustainable economic development, supported also by international financial institutions.

“Since September, we have taken a number of measures to stem the economic slowdown. We have signed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a new program that will provide us with the necessary liquidity to repay overdue debts inherited from the previous government, as well as to conduct a careful monitoring both of our public finances and of public expenditure policy. Currently, we are in talks with the World Bank for two Development Policy Loans and for reform in the energy sector. With this support, we will eliminate in a short time any hidden debts inherited and will also start radical reforms in key sectors.”

While praising Austrian investments in Albania that stretch in a number of major sectors, the Prime Minister expressed commitment to enhance economic cooperation with Austria and Austrian entrepreneurship.

“We want to take advantage of the special relationship between Albania and Austria to get support, but also to learn as much as possible from the Austrian experience in the field of vocational training.”

For Prime Minister Rama foreign investments are vital to the economy. For this reason, the government is highly committed to creating an attractive environment for investment and eliminating any barriers that so far have made ​​investors reluctant to come to Albania.

“Very soon, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Government will establish the Investment Council, an entity that will provide an institutionalized and stable platform of cooperation with investors in our country and in the region.”

In conclusion, the Prime Minister addressed an appeal to participants: “Test our resolve and come and do business in Albania.”

“I strongly believe that Austria could play a more important role, but I am also aware that it is not up to Austrian companies to take the first step, but it is up to us. Because we are the ones in need, although this is not enough. We should be in a position to really convince any entrepreneur that what we need is not just what Albania needs, but also that it is an advantage to every company that will come to invest in Albania.”

In Vienna, Prime Minister Rama met with the Chancellor of Austria, Mr. Werner Faymann who encouraged the progress achieved so far and ensured additional support to Albania on its way to modernization and integration. The Prime Minister visited also the Federal Chamber of Commerce.