“Albania, like the other countries of the Western Balkans region, shares a common ambition and a clear objective: integration into the European Union. To successfully reach the finish line, our businesses must be prepared to compete in the EU single market and contribute to building a strong and united economy,” stated Malaj.

He pointed out that the New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans will bring new opportunities and benefits for regional economies, supporting economic development and deeper integration into the European single market.

Minister Malaj emphasized that Albania is undertaking comprehensive reforms in its customs administration—one of the most extensive in the country’s history—focusing on alignment with European Union standards.

“The Albanian government is carrying out reforms designed to promote sustainable development, provide essential facilitations, eliminate barriers, and strengthen institutional capacities to consistently support businesses and improve the business climate. In this context, the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is poised to bring valuable opportunities and advantages to the economies of our region,” the minister stated.

With the opening of Chapter 29 “Customs Union” in the EU accession process, the Albanian government is working intensively to modernize customs procedures and to prepare for integration into the EU Customs Union.

In his address, the minister highlighted that the reforms are intended to enhance regional cooperation among Western Balkans customs administrations, promote trade facilitation and economic integration through inter-institutional collaboration and strong partnerships between customs agencies and the business community.

He also mentioned the advancement of the Green and Blue Corridors, aimed at enabling faster and more integrated border crossings, as well as investments in capacity building and technical assistance.

One of the significant achievements is the mutual recognition of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which brings facilitation and simplification of customs procedures and opens opportunities for increasing exports to European markets.

“Albania has taken significant steps forward in the mutual recognition of the AEO Program, which facilitates the trade of goods and simplifies customs procedures for them, as well as concerning the transitional rules of origin (PEM), offering opportunities to increase exports to European markets,” he said.

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