Department of Strategy and Donor Coordination

Figure 37. Export-import of agriculture produce, 2000–2008
15000
12500
10000
7500
5000
2500
2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008
72500
67500
62500
57500
52500
47500
42500
37500
32500
27500
Export
Import
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection (MAFCP)
Agricultural development and higher exports resulted from increased production year-on-year to meet the
demand of the domestic food market.
The majority of food products, more than 80 per cent, were produced in Albania, and exports in the last two
years have grown by 25 per cent. In 2007, domestic vegetable production was 671,000 tons, while 17,000 tons
were imported. Fruit production was 148,000 tons, or double that of five years ago, while imports were 90,000
tons. About 80 per cent of agricultural and livestock production is secured from domestic production.
This difference between domestic production and imports stands for the majority of products, except for a
rise in sugar and vegetable oil, meaning that the bulk of agricultural and livestock production is secured from
domestic production.
The trade ratio of agricultural production has increased considerably in the last two years. The imports volume
of agricultural and livestock products shrank by about 15 per cent in 2008, while agricultural exports grew
by 30 per cent. Flexible policy and monitoring of prices in the regional and international markets has led to
adaptation of instruments that help the production and sale of agricultural produce.
Furthermore, efforts will focus on a policy that supports improvement of competitiveness for agricultural
production in Albania and the sector in general. Increasing the trading ratio of agricultural produce is
the appropriate way of bringing farm families and small agricultural farms away from isolation and selfsufficiency.
3.4.5 Tourism
Indicator: Number of tourists, by country of origin
Figure 38 gives a clear picture of the number of tourists visiting Albania in 2008 with the total topping 1.3
million. Between January and August 2009, an even larger number, by 42.5 per cent, of tourists was reported
compared to the same period last year.
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