According to Gonxhja, these figures once again highlight the vital role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in the Albanian economy, which he describes as “the backbone of employment in Albania.”

“A new regional milestone for Albania! From 2020 to 2023, 82% of the employed population in Albania worked in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This marks the highest percentage across the Western Balkans and exceeds the European Union average of 64.5%, positioning Albania significantly above the EU benchmark when it comes to labor market reliance on SMEs,” Gonxhja stated in a social media post.

Minister Gonxhja stated that the importance of SMEs as a driver of employment is even greater in Albania than in many other European countries.

“The stability and growth of SMEs are crucial to Albania’s labor market, making every measure to incentivise them not only an economic priority but also a social imperative,” he stated.

Gonxhja highlighted that while Albania has a solid foundation of small and medium-sized enterprises, turning them into a driver of sustainable growth requires several key measures, as outlined in the report. These include improving the business environment, accelerating digitalization, easing access to financing, and developing professional skills.

“The OECD report emphasizes that the significant presence of SMEs in the Albanian labor market is both an asset and a challenge. Policies to spur their growth, innovation, and competitiveness are essential for the convergence process with the EU,” he continued.

The Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation is committed to promoting and creating policies that foster business development to increase employment in the country, focusing on the commitments made within the framework of European integration.

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