The government plans to apply two new financial instruments to support the country’s garments and footwear industry develop a closed loop cycle and access the market under the Made in Albania brand. This new support programme was the focus of a discussion the Prime Minister Edi Rama had with a group of entrepreneurs in apparel and footwear industry during a visit to Shtjefni family-owned factory in Shkodra, a company operating for more than 25 years.
Prime Minister Rama announced that the garment and footwear industry workers will be the next to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once the older adults over 70 get vaccinated.
Gjovalin Shtjefni, the founder of this enterprise acknowledged that the pandemic brought troubles to the garment company, but they recovered quickly and activity resumed normally. However, he voiced concern over the lack of labour force to meet his company demands. “It was just few days ago we were forced to turn down an offer forwarded by a representative from company Zara, because we lack the needed labour force,” he said.
The government head said that with the new law on foreigners allows for employment of foreign workers.
Lawmaker Ilir Beqja explained that the government will make available two financial support instruments to help these companies develop a closed loop production cycle. An annual fund of 10 million euros will allow companies to obtain loans under the sovereign guarantee fund to replace their production technology, whereas another fund will cover the designers’ costs.
The goal of this support instrument – PM Rama went on saying – is to successfully finalize the challenge of moving towards a closed loop cycle of Made in Albania brand. “You can access international market by hiring a group of skilled designers and by offering your products at a low price. This is our action plan for the period between 2021 and 2025. What we and you need is that we will provide due funding, whereas you should work to create your design and brand and access the market with the Made in Albania brand.”
