TIRANA, February 28/ATA/ Governor of the Bank of Albania Gent Sejko participated today in the Ministerial: “Western Balkans towards the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA)”, held in Tirana.
Sejko said that economic integration is the basic principle of the creation and operation of the European Union.
Naturally, added Sejko, “It has always been an important promoter in the international arena for strengthening cooperation and encouraging integration in other fields, as well. I am pleased to note that economic integration within the region and with the European Union starts with payment systems and services. Thanks to participation of our countries in the Single Euro Payments Area, otherwise known as SEPA, we are laying safe foundations for the acceleration of exchanges in the economic plan, with the countries of the region and with those of the European Union. The European Union has offered us the historic opportunity to enter the European market long before the arrival of the final moment of full membership in it, so we must take maximum advantage of this opportunity”.
On the other hand, he added, “The participation of countries of the Western Balkans in SEPA supports the promotion of trade between the countries of the region and economic activity as a whole. In this regard, I would like to say that in recent years, commercial activity and the exchange of services and tourism between our 6 countries have increased and are expected to intensify further with the infrastructural developments in transport”.
Furthermore, continued Governor Sejko, “Almost all migrant remittances come from European Union countries and the United Kingdom, which is also a member of SEPA”.
“The project for the inclusion of Albania in the geographical area of SEPA is headed by the Bank of Albania. Albania has progressed significantly in the alignment of payment legislation with the European one. The World Bank estimates that Albania is almost ready to become a member of SEPA,” he said.
Sejko thanked the World Bank and its long-term assistance in the field of the payment system./r.e/p.s./
