Enri Hasanaj, who graduated abroad a while ago, had a dream. He wanted to return to Albania and launch his own business. He wasn’t sure if he could make it, but he finally succeeded to fund “The Independent Media Group”, an online platform that issues “Jeta” magazine which gives voice to whoever wants to implement their ideas. Prime Minister Edi Rama had today a conversation with Enri and his team in the offices of their company.

Enri says that contrary to what it seemed in the beginning, it wasn’t difficult for him and he explained why. “The tax removal for small business has given them a major boost. It has been a great help especially at the beginning as procedures are very simple. Information also is very simple to get, as simple as it is on paper. Before there was an element of uncertainty. It seemed you were going to do something very big when you decided to start something. Nobody here has really felt this anymore.”

Enri started his business all by himself, but now he has employed 5 young people. He said that a lot of young people have implemented successfully their ideas, and he collaborates with many of them. According to the Prime Minister these talented young people are an example of how ideas and determination are successfully rewarded. “Instead of passing the time in cafes or on Facebook, these young talented people are self-employment and they even employ others. Not only they create a job for themselves, but thanks to their ideas and their determination they are successful also in financial terms. These are positive examples, and there are many of them”, the Prime Minister said.

The Minister of Economy informed that there are 479 active online companies in Albania.

As an architect, Enri is also interested in design and interior, and he has many project-ideas. The Prime Minister noted that this is another field where both challenges and demands are growing. Beauty and aesthetics increase the value not only of urban spaces, but also of personal properties.

“Urban Renaissance has immediately increased the value of properties. For instance, the Lungomare of Vlore has not been finished yet, and the price of shops and apartments there has already increased. The same has happened in Permet which was a catastrophe. They have the same effect as acupuncture because they touch some key points, and the whole is healed. Along with small companies we have encouraged a modest financial support based on ideas, and it is impressive to see how they’ve moved ahead and none of them has closed down so far. This creates a pretty big energy to grow and strengthen.”

According to the Prime Minister, statistics have shown something very interesting. It is mainly those who have returned from migration who have found an employment through the job offices. The refusal of a job, especially in the private sector, is a phenomenon that must be addressed, and the best answer is the example of these young people.

“The statistics of the job offices show that there are currently 38 thousand vacancies of all kinds. The majority of those who are employed through these offices are Albanians who have returned from migration because they’ve gained there a totally different work culture and psychology. In migration you don’t have cousins or friends, and you don’t pay bribes. It’s only you, your mind, your arms, and the uphill climb. Actually, taking into account from which situation they started, the Albanians have been very successful. But when it comes to being employed in the private sector, Albanians here would better be employed in the state administration because it is easier. I’m impressed by those coming from abroad because they are work-driven and don’t have many requests.”

While congratulating these young people on their initiative, courage and confidence in their ideas, the Prime Minister invited them to keep on with their determination despite the hindrances they may encounter. “I’m convinced that we can make every dream come true, provided that we are determined to overcome all hindrances and difficulties. You can reach what you dream of, if your mind is focused on it. It takes a great inner strength, strong willingness and a big fight, but you get there by all means.”