The Ministry of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate has launched a pilot project to test this new platform from the coffee invoice to utility payments such as electricity, water, fines, etc., which was presented on Monday in one of the businesses of unit no. 5 in the capital.

The project aims to streamline the payment process and promote the use of modern technologies in financial services.

Through this initiative, the Albanian government and financial institutions aim to reduce the use of cash payments, increase the use of digital technologies, promote innovation in the financial sector and improve financial inclusion for all citizens. By July of this year all banks will create access to a wider range of online payments

Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate Delina Ibrahimaj were present at the launch of the pilot project.

“We have completed the selection phase of all individuals in three cities, in Tirana, unit 5, in Peshkopi and in Përmet. We have concluded contracts with all individuals and from next week we will continue to make digital payments. Payment testing will begin today. The 8 companies selected are ready to be tested. The purpose of the whole project is actually to have a better understanding of all the difficulties that individuals may encounter in using this payment system. Recently, we are all committed to innovation, but a key element of innovation is electronic payments,” – Minister Ibrahimaj emphasized, adding that the implementation of the project will also test the public’s approach to this innovation.

For his part, Prime Minister Rama said that electronic payments are an advantage for consumers. “To begin with, digital payments enable consumers not to carry money in their pockets, they check their finances all the time, and above all, the use of this system averts tax evasion by businesses. On top of that, it applies no commission, that is, it is cheaper than using the card and bank transactions. Nothing will change for them.

The pilot project will be implemented for the period May-August 2024 in Tirana, Peshkopi, Përmet. Making and confirming the payment in real time through the digital wallet offered by financial institutions is done through the QR code of the fiscalized invoice.
Electronic payment is welcomed by citizens.
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