TIRANA, May 13 – A new government–bank agreement aims to strengthen business financing in Albania. The programme “Double Your Entrepreneurship” supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also targets wider economic growth.
At the event in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama met banking sector representatives. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj also attended the meeting. She presented the new financing framework and outlined its objectives.
Turning to the policy framework, she said the instrument includes 250 million euro in credit and 30 million euro in sovereign guarantees. The scheme channels funding through commercial banks. It also offers lower interest rates for businesses.
In addition, she said the Bank of Albania supports the credit line with liquidity. She added that the Ministry of Finance provides sovereign guarantees that may cover up to 70% of collateral.
Moving to the macroeconomic context, Ibrahimaj said Albania recorded steady growth of 3.5% to 4% in recent years. She described the country as the fastest-growing economy in the Western Balkans.
She also pointed to the EU integration process as a key driver for business opportunities. It opens access to a market of more than 450 million consumers. It also raises competitiveness requirements for exporters.
Overall, she said the government aims to maintain and accelerate growth. It plans to expand private sector financing and increase investment levels.
Finally, she said the initiative will support multiple sectors, including SMEs and agriculture. It is expected to boost investment and productivity. It also aims to strengthen long-term economic growth in Albania.
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