“Rozafa”, the largest fish and seafood processing plant in the country, is located in Labinot, Elbasan. One of the most important investments in the city of Elbasan, this enterprise is a model for employment and treatment of employees who work in conditions of European standards. Accompanied by the Mayor of Elbasan Qazim Sejdini and the MP of the area, Taulant Balla, Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the factory to look closely at the investment, as well as to discuss what can be done better in the future.
Entrepreneur Gjergj Luca said that his plans envisage two other projects which will significantly increase employment in the area. But he also asked the engagement of other government structures to promote it. “We have two other important projects we want to conclude. Here we have Taulant, and we’d like to be done with these two other plants by February. My staff drives to every village to look for people to employ. Can all these politicians motivate these people? We’ve gone to every house. We’ve opened an office in Cerrik where are a couple of employees provide information to people about all the work processes. But we’ve noticed a phenomenon in the poor areas; people would stay all day long watching soap operas. These are people who need determined policies to have them get out of their homes.”
Prime Minister Rama said that every enterprise offers constantly new jobs, but professions need to be developed, and the desire to learn them must be motivated. “It is universally known that the idea of living on financial allowance paralyzes people. Therefore, they need to be encouraged more. I know that all those who watch Albania from television, and spend the entire day in the cafeterias, say “there’s no job here” every time they hear about employment. But all the enterprises, i.e. from Zogu i Zi until Durres, have vacancies. The problem is that they need people who master a craft, or who are ready to learn one.”
Many of the employees of this plant are young women who have graduated, and have taken a job in this venture. “These young women here own a master’s degree. This one here has graduated in Economics”, entrepreneur Luca said.
In addition to its modern technology, this plant is a model for all ventures because of the high-standard working conditions. It has also a kindergarten and a nursery, so that the young mothers working here can be close to their children.
The Prime Minister said that such an example should be a driver to be followed by other ventures. “The work culture and everything you have created here is a great thing. They seem like small things, but they are the things that make the difference. It’s not simply a matter of money, but also of feeling part of a team. Many enterprises have started to invest in this regard. But there are many problems, and people are not to blame because their perception isn’t totally groundless. Not every enterprise treaties its employees like this one here.”
The entrepreneur Luca also said that he is building a vocational school at his initiative for employee training. “At the entrance of the plant we’re building a school to train employees, for marine specialists and technologist. So, a vocational school. There will be also a big lecture hall.”
The Prime Minister said that following the development of domestic production, the import / export ratio has changed, by reducing import significantly. The Prime Minister also said that it is very important to qualify employees and to create a work culture. “Domestic food production has increased and imports have decreased. It needs to increase more, but it’s a pretty great improvement which shows that people work. Certainly there are many problems in terms of unemployment, but the main problem with unemployment we have is qualification and the work culture. Veliaj told me that when he was at the ministry, 95% of those who addressed to the job offices insisting on having a job, and eventually left saying “thank you, were people who have been in immigration. They have the work culture. We’re having a big struggle to overcome these obstacles. But the greater possibility is that of qualification. People got used to the idea of becoming all lawyers.”
