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Albanian Times, Vol. I, No. 12, December 31, 1995From: Albanian Times <AlbaTimes@aol.com>The Albanian Times (by AlbAmerica TRade & Consulting International) DirectoryIn this issue:CONTENTS[1] Privatization Gaining Strength in Tirana[2] Poll Shows Support For Ruling Democrats[3] Albania Buys Mobile Phone Network[4] Berisha Reassures Retirees, Sets Goal on Jobs[5] Infrastructure Building Absorbs Bulk of Investments, Official Says[6] Parliament Approves New Budget, Socialists Disagree[7] UNESCO Funds Archaeological Site[8] Albanians Adopting Greek Names for Jobs[9] Government Moves to Clear Electricity Company's Debts[10] No New Taxes in 1996, Albanian Officials Promise[11] Saranda to Develop Family Run Tourist Business[12] Situation is Normalizing After Floods[13] Social Spending - A Budget Priority, Albanian Officials Say[14] Albanian State Run Media Ask For Increased Funding[15] 1995-A Privatization Boom, Albanian Officials Say[16] Greek Bank to Open in Tirana[17] USS La Salle in Durres[18] Berisha Orders Property Back to Religious Communities[19] Italian Diplomat Says 1995 Was Crucial To Relations With Albania[20] Albanian-Bulgarian Agreement to Take Effect in January[21] Liquor Manufacturing Company Earns Recognition[22] Currency Trading Agencies Compete With Banks, Street Traders[1] Privatization Gaining Strength in TiranaAbout 65 percent of all enterprizes under the administration of Tirana municipality were privatized during 1995, according to the Albanian radio. About 30 percent were privatized in the form of joint ventures and with foreign capitals. Over 70 percent of them are small and medium sized companies operating mostly in trade, construction and industry. Privatization trend was particulary strong in the final quarter of 1995.
[2] Poll Shows Support For Ruling DemocratsA local poll conducted by the "Arben Broci Foundation" shows strong support for the ruling democrats in the upcoming national elections, the Albanian radio reported on January 3. Of the 2,500 participants, 54% say they will vote for the Democratic Party with 25% showing support for the opposition socialists. About 51% say 1995 was a good year for Albania, 24% see it as very good, 16% as fairly good while 14% describe it as a difficult year.
[3] Albania Buys Mobile Phone NetworkFrustration may be beginning to end for those trying to reach friends, relatives and business associates in Albania. In a bid to beef up its ailing phone system, Albania's Mobile Communocations Holding (AMC) has bought $8 million worth of equipment to install the country's first GSM mobile phone network by mid-1996. The purchase from Germany's Alcatel Mobile Telephone Network GmbH was financed jointly by the Albanian government and the Albanian Savings Bank. "The initial network is designed to serve 8,000 subscribers in the western part of Albania, about one third of the country," AMC general manager Adrian Shehu told reporters. Albania had one of the most antiquated telephone systems in Europe and this has been a stumbling block as the country tries to rapidly develop its economy and infrastructure. Previously, Albania used lines through Italy and Greece for international calls, paying more than it would with its own system and not getting dependable service. Although the purchase is a good step, many have criticized the government for not doing enough. "They're not wiring the whole country," said one American businessman with close ties to Albania who did not want to be identified. "It's not a big country. They should give it the most modern telephone system available." Operator support and associated services also form part of the contract as do microwave transmission links from Alcatel. Shehu said deliveries from the Stuttgart-based Alcatel subsidiary were scheduled to start within three months and the network will become operational by June this year. Shehu said the system, with registration fees ranging around $950 is expected to become a hit with Albania's business community. State-owned AMC is expected to be partly privatized this year in a voucher sale scheme.(Illyria, December 22)
[4] Berisha Reassures Retirees, Sets Goal on JobsPresident Sali Berisha reassured low income Albanians that the increase of their salaries will reamain among government's top priorities for 1996. In a televised New Year address on December 31, President Berisha called for a "sensible increase" in salaries and pensions during 1996. He promised the pensioneers - a contingent typically seen as favorable to the opposition Socialists in upcoming elections - that the solution to their problem will reamain among the top priorities for 1996. Berisha called for further expanding social programs and "turning them into a major dimension of the society". He said creating new jobs will be a priority and set the goal of reducing double digit unemployment to single digit levels during 1996. "This will be a year of massive privatization through vouchers and of further development of infrastructure in Albania," the president said. Berisha took pride in international surveys which put Albania first in Eastern Europe in terms of economic growth. He said 1995 saw a raise in living standards by 20-25% and the country boasts of 200,000 private vehicles.(AT, December 31)
[5] Infrastructure Building Absorbs Bulk of Investments, Official SaysConstruction of water supply systems and roads constituted the bulk of infrastructure investments for 1995, Albanian officials said. Efforts were made to improve water supply for the largest cities, including Tirana, Durres, Vlora and Elbasan, Dashamir Shehi, minister of tourism and costruction said. Most of the 216 small and mid sized water collectors targeted for 1995 were completed, he added. According to Shehi, Albania is starting a huge national road building program. Construction plans are in place for the roads Durres-Qafe Thane and Tirane-North. Agreements have been signed with the European Bank of Investments, the PHARE program, the Cross-Border Program and the World Bank, Shehi said. The highway between Tirana and the port city of Durres will stretch 5 more kilometers during 1996, the official said.(AT, January 1)
[6] Parliament Approves New Budget, Socialists DisagreeAlbanian parliament passed on Decemebr 30 a budget plan that emphasizes development of infrastructure and social programs. Projected revenue for FY 1996 will be 21,2 per cent higher than in 1995 with an increase of 17 per cent in spending. The opposition socialists who voted against charged that the new budget reflects the "political and propaganda aims" of the ruling Democratic Party rather then the real situation of the economy. They said the new budget is unfounded and lacks transparency. The ruling democrats argued that the budget plan guarantees economic stability and the country's high growth.(AT, December 30)
[7] UNESCO Funds Archaeological SiteUNESCO is providing Albania $50,000 to reconstruct and maintain the archeological site of Butrint, ATA reported on January 3. The agreement was signed by the Albanian representative at UNESCO Besnik Mustafaj. Excavation in Butrint has revealed Neolithic settlement. The town later became an Illyrian center. Butrint has been declared a UNESCO protected monument.
[8] Albanians Adopting Greek Names for JobsAbout 45,000 Albanians changed their names legally during the first six months of 1995, the Macedonian Press Agency reported. The figure is expected to double when the name changes performed during the last six months are taken into account. The majority of those who request name changes are muslims and catholics and the chosen names are of Greek origin, the agency said. Their intention is to travel to Greece and work in the black market. The Greek embassy in Tirana and the consulate in Gjirokastra are more willing to issue visas to persons bearing Greek names. (MPA, January 3)
[9] Government Moves to Clear Electricity Company's DebtsAlbanian government will ask parliament to write off all debts that the Albanian Electric-Energy Corporation (KESH) owns to the state budget for the period 1994-95. A government spokesman said, on December 30, the move aims at strengthening the financial situation of the state run corporation and attracting foreign investors to participate in its privatization. The draft will have to be approved by the parliament.(AT, December 30)
[10] No New Taxes in 1996, Albanian Officials PromiseAlbanian finance officials reassured local businesses that no new taxes will be imposed on them during 1996. Vice finance minister Robert Ceku predicted that the new budget, expected to be approved within days by the Parliament, will not involve any fiscal policy changes. The government has been criticized for changing tax regulations all too often, Ceku said. "But with four years of experience, we have attained a modern tax system which has been completed with the introduction of VAT (Value Added Tax)". The new government that will emerge after the elections, will find a stable finacial situation, the Albanian official said. (AT, Dec 28)
[11] Saranda to Develop Family Run Tourist BusinessA plan to develop family run tourist business is being experimented in the south Albanian district of Saranda, with the first 6 individuals now receiving credits approved by the European Union. The pilot project, part of EU's PHARE program is estimated at about ECU 800,000. Each qualifying individual is receiving ECU 50,000 (about $60,000) at 17% interest to remodel and refurbish his own home turning it into an acceptable structure ready to receive foreign guests. The objective is to accomodate the flow of tourists from neibouring Greece, especially from the Corfu island accross the Ionian Sea, Albanian officials say. The plan is being coordinated through the Albanian Savings Bank in Tirana. Saranda is one of the districts with a substantial part of inhabitants now working as immigrants in the neighbouring Greece. Temporarily free buildings and other structures are seen as a potential for developping family own board and lodging business. To qualify for the EU loan, individuals are required to submit detailed business plans to the Savings Bank, specifying the kind of service they intend to offer and the projected income. Saranda is known for accomodating local guests but lacks experience in catering for foreign tourists, officials say.(AT, January 3)
[12] Situation is Normalizing After FloodsSituation in the north Albanian district of Shkodra is returning to normal, after widespread floods caused by heavy rain on December 25 and 26. Over 200 homes have suffered various degrees of property damage although assesment is under way. Military and security forces continue to provide food supplies to the hardest hit areas. Authorities are trying to prevent a dam from collapse in the Shirq village and restore electricity elsewhere in the flooded areas. The nation's hydro power system has also been hit by heavy rain. A special government team is assessing the damage. (AT, December 29)
[13] Social Spending - A Budget Priority, Albanian Officials SaySpending in social sectors will increase by 5% in 1996, Albanian officials said. The new budget plan, which is being scrutinized by the parliament, puts investments for such sectors at 20% of the total spending, up from 15% in 1995. Construction will be another important priority, with investments amounting to 54% of the total, up from 47% in 1995. Spending in irrigation projects will increase from 6% to 8% of the total figure. Three state run companies - Telecomi, Energjitika, and Kromi - will receive no funding for 1996 and the money will be directed to social sectors, officials said. In 1995, spending for these enterprises amounted to 10% of the state budget. The government is planning a self-financing scheme for these companies and is considering their partial privatization.(AT, December 29)
[14] Albanian State Run Media Ask For Increased FundingAlbanian state run media, the Radiotelevision and the Telegraphic Agency have asked the parliament to increase their operational funding for fiscal 1996. The request was made at a parliamentary commission debating the new budget. The Telegraphic Agency is asking for an increase of 4 million leks ($40,000) over the envisaged 41 million leks ($410,000). The head of Radiotelevision painted a dramatic situation, asking an increase of 78 million leks ($780,000). The Radiotelevision was asked to draft a detailed report for the government, which would then seek to meet broadcasting needs through a loan granted from foreign banks.
[15] 1995-A Privatization Boom, Albanian Officials SayThe year 1995 marked a boom in the privatization of trading companies, Albanian officials said. So far, about 50 share-holding companies with about 7,000 stock-holders have been created and the number of people using their vouchers to join in increased as the process moves on to a new phase. The new target is to turn 20 more trading businesses into share-holding companies, the head of Privatization Agency Niko Glozheni told reporters on December 29. About 40 percent of share-holders so far are people using their vouchers to join in, Glozheni said. The objects privatised during 1995 had a total value 1,7 times higher than in the previous year, he added.(AT, December 29)
[16] Greek Bank to Open in TiranaThe National Bank of Greece expects to open a branch in Albania by February 1996, the bank's international relations manager told an Albanian economic magazine. Alexandros Katsiouris, who was named head of the new branch, was optimistic the bank would receive the go-ahead from Albanian authorities and had already booked office space in downtown Tirane. "The essential work for the creation of the branch in Albania started in may to June and is rapidly advancing," Katsiouris told the "Economic Observer" an Albanian monthly magazine appearing in English. "We also see the desire of the Albanian authorities to do everything in the shortest possible time," before adding that they had not faced any bureaucratic problems.
[17] USS La Salle in DurresUSS La Salle, the flagship coordinating NATO's maritime peace implementation force for Bosnia, is visiting the Albanian port of Durres, Albanian media reported on December 28. This is the ninth US warship visiting an Albanian port and the sixth this year. About 30 officers from seven NATO countries have set up a command center on a barge welded to the La Salle, Reuters reported. The La Salle can command operations regardless of its geographical location. The crew will be welcomed by Albanian senior officials before leaving Durres on December 29. (AT, Reuters)
[18] Berisha Orders Property Back to Religious CommunitiesAlbanian President Sali Berisha ordered the return of all property to the religious communities. Mr. Berisha made his comments on December 25, addressing believers in Orthodox and Catholic churches in Tirana. The property involved is said to include about 35,000 hectares of agricultural land, newspaper Republika reported on 26 December. All property belonging to the Muslim community and the Orthodox and Catholic churches was nationalized in 1967.(OMRI, AT)
[19] Italian Diplomat Says 1995 Was Crucial To Relations With AlbaniaThe Italian ambassador to Albania, Paolo Forresti described 1995 as a crucial year in the relations between the two countries. Foresti praised the inauguration of Hotel Tirana International, remodeled with Italian aid, as crucially important to create the appropriate conditions for welcoming foreign investors. Also with Italian aid, Tirana opened the first private Catholic hospital. Italian contribution for 1996 will not be merely in emergency aid but also in the consolidation of a modern Albanian state, including law and order, airports and infrastructure, Foresti said. He vowed to reduce the number of "clandestini" - the illegal Albanian immigrants crossing to Italy. The matter will be on the agenda of bilateral talks scheduled for mid January. Forresti said during 1995 his embassy issued a record number of visas to the Albanian citizens.
[20] Albanian-Bulgarian Agreement to Take Effect in JanuaryAn Albanian-Bulgarian agreement on encouragement and mutual protection of investments will take effect on January 28, 1996, Albanian radio reported. Ratification documents were exchanged in Tirana on December 28.
[21] Liquor Manufacturing Company Earns RecognitionA Pogradec based Albanian liquor manufacturing business is trying to establish a name by emphasizing quality in its products, according to Albanian press reports. Kapia company is also gaining reckognition outside its base, by guaranteeing potential buyers that every bottle bearing its brand has gone through careful laboratory examination. Kapia products include raki, wine, fernet, punch and cognac. The company is also involved in trading activities.
[22] Currency Trading Agencies Compete With Banks, Street TradersAbout 25 private currency trading agencies operate in Albania along with currency exchange services provided by banks and the free money traders market. The agencies are heavily competing with street money traders because they offer security, Albanian bank officials say. Unioni Financiar, a Tirana currency trading agency plans to expand in other services to modernize and facilitate currency exchange process. Unlike state controlled banks, trading agencies are flexible to fluctuations on the exchange market. Albania's parliament has approved legislation that will turn state-owned banks into holding companies. Albania set up a two-tiered banking system in 1992, with the Bank of Albania serving as central bank to the National Commercial bank, the Savings Bank and the Rural Commercial Bank. |
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