TIRANA, April 11 /ATA-By Maela Marini/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday outlined new fiscal incentives and a revised national support scheme for agriculture, saying the government is encouraging investment, consolidation and value-added production in the sector.
Speaking at a meeting with farmers in Krutje, in the Lushnja region, Rama said the government is prioritising initiatives that promote business growth, cooperation and structured production and processing models.
Rama noted that the European Union does not apply fuel subsidy schemes and has previously criticised Albania’s approach in this area.
He said the country is now shifting to a new model of support, replacing previous flat-rate subsidies of around 300,000 old lek with a system linked to formalised sales.
“Now we will provide support that can reach 7,000 to 8,000 euros, provided that the farmer selling their product submits invoices and receives 10% of VAT back in cash,” he explained.
The prime minister said the government is also preparing a broader programme to support productive sectors, which will be launched at the end of April in cooperation with the Bank of Albania and second-tier banks.
He said the programme will enable entrepreneurs in the productive economy to expand their businesses, with state-backed financing allowing access to loans of up to 2 million euros on favourable terms.
“The government will provide a sovereign guarantee mechanism, and the financing available can reach up to 2 million euros,” Rama said, adding that the initiative reflects improved economic performance and financial stability.
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