TIRANA, February 11 /ATA/ Key stakeholders from the government, Bank of Albania, and banking industry convened at the Ministry of Finance for a strategic financial roundtable. The discussions focused on increasing access to financing for the agricultural sector and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
The discussions focused on the performance of the Sovereign Guarantee Scheme and the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Financing Program (MSF), analyzing the progress made so far, the challenges in implementation and the measures to increase their effectiveness in supporting the real economy.
Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj emphasized that agriculture remains a strategic priority, especially within the framework of the integration process into the European common market, which requires increased productivity and added value in the production chain. According to him, the Sovereign Guarantee Scheme serves as an instrument for accelerating investments in the sector, while support will continue through the national agricultural scheme, the fiscal package and the resumption of IPARD III.
On his part, Governor of the Bank of Albania Gent Sejko appreciated the scheme as a complementary instrument that helps ensure credit reaches the real economy, guarded by high-quality risk management. He noted the progress achieved, but also the need to address some operational issues to increase its absorption and effectiveness, emphasizing the significance of continuous coordination between institutions and banks.
For his part, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said that after a period of getting acquainted with the instrument, there has been an increase in interest and applications from farmers and agro-processing businesses. According to him, this shows both the need for financing and confidence in the development potential of the sector.
Banking sector leaders confirmed that during the recent months there has been a revival of the scheme. Furthermore, according to internal data, the banks confirmed that, currently, a number of applications are in the process of being evaluated.
The banking sector offered several opinions on various interventions that could be undertaken in the future, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of the use of the schemes. The ministers and the governor got committed to seriously evaluating these opinions and continuing the discussion in future meetings.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation with the aim of increasing lending, promoting investments and supporting sustainable economic development, with a particular focus on agriculture and small businesses. /j.p/p.s./
