TIRANA, Sept. 8 /ATA-By Maela Marini/ – Albania’s technology sector now exports 222 million euros worth of products a year, three times more than only a short time ago, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Tuesday as the government prepares a national programme on artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the second Innovation Forum, focused on AI and the development of Albania’s technology sector, Rama said the government was preparing a national AI programme that would involve input from stakeholders.
The government head underlined that information technology offers significant opportunities for economic development but warned that Albania needed to keep pace with rapid technological change to avoid falling behind.
“We are aware that all these issues are developing at an extraordinary pace, which on the one hand is a great blessing for countries like ours because technology allows us to make leaps forward, but on the other hand it is a constant warning signal,” Rama said.
He urged businesses taking part in the forum to focus on real problems, develop practical solutions based on an accurate assessment of current conditions and be prepared to work together.
Rama said about 28,500 technology professionals were currently working in Albania, a figure that had been rising during the year, while wages in the sector had also increased significantly.
The technology sector now accounts for 2.2% of Albania’s gross domestic product, up from a negligible share previously, he said.
“It should undoubtedly be higher, but it is a meaningful figure for the country’s potential,” Rama said.
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