Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination

Human rights
and protection of
minorities
Regional and
international
cooperation
Economic situation
Free market
economy, structural
reforms and financial
public management
Human rights and protection of minorities has improved further with the adoption of more
advanced legislation and commitment to enforce it.
The National Strategy on improving the living conditions of the Roma community is under
implementation. Inspections in local government units and visits to Roma organisations
were conducted in several cities to ensure proper implementation.
Measures were taken to ensure Roma community inclusion in employment and poverty
alleviation programmes. Facilitations were introduced for unemployed Roma to participate
in vocational training initiatives, and legislation was adopted to encourage and facilitate
vocational training for Roma job-seekers.
Albania joined the “Decade of Roma Inclusion” and is taking measures to meet the membership
criteria.
Regional and international cooperation is being pursued in four directions, with (i) Western
Balkan countries, (ii) EU member states, (iii) other countries (of influence on the international
stage and strategic partners, etc.), and (iv) organisations and regional and international multiannual
fora. Albania has continued to foster positive relations with its regional partners,
both multilaterally and bilaterally, as well as with EU members and the USA. Its continued
constructive stance on the recognition of Kosovo independence has contributed to regional
stability.
Albania has continued to participate in a number of regional political and economic fora and
initiatives, including transition from the Stability Pact to a more regionally owned framework
with the South-east European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the Regional Cooperation
Council (RCC).
Efforts are well underway with regards to the Regional Energy Market. In addition, Albania
assumed the BSEC (Black Sea Economic Cooperation) chairmanship from May to October
2008.
Albania’s economy recorded real economic growth of 8 % in 2008, driven mainly by the
sectors of transport and telecommunications, trade, accommodation, food and beverages,
and industry. Annual average inflation rate during 2008 was 3.4%, remaining within the
Government’s target range of 3-4%. Public debt for 2008 increased as a proportion of external
debt by 2.9% in comparison to the year before, while internal debt decreased by 0.90%. In
comparison to 2007, the deficit recorded an increase of around 489 million Euro, with 831
million Euro for 2007. Trade deficit deepened further by 327 million Euro during 2008,
reaching 2,431 million Euro (from 2,104 million Euro for 2007).
Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) for 2008 increased greatly. According to the Bank of
Albania (BoA), net FDI increased by 30% reaching a level of 843 million USD, while the level
for 2007 stood at 647.4 million USD. The entry flow of FDI into the country increased even
further (around 42%), reaching a level of 937 million USD. For 2008, the entry flow was 6.8%
of GDP, while for 2007 it stood at 6%. In 2008, exports increased by around 15.6% compared
to 2007 (112,638 million Lek compared to 97,400 million Lek).The business registration
system was completely reorganised to ensure efficient implementation of SAA obligations.
Efforts are on track for a comprehensive reform of the licensing system to offer it as a one-stop
shop service.
The above achievements meet the obligations and are fully in line with the vision, priorities and goals set out
in the NSDI 2007–2013. Upon full accomplishment of these goals, implementation of the SAA will become the
key priority.
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