At the invitation of Albanian activist and head of the National Council of Diaspora, Mark Gjonaj, Prime Minister Rama held a conversation in New York with representatives of 100 Associations of Albanians of America.

“In these years that I have been privileged to be at the helm of the government, there are a number of significant facts that are worth mentioning, starting with the twofold increase of the total national output or as you know here GDP, which was 12.7 billion when we took office in 2013 and today it has reached 25.4 billion. “I think it is a significant figure in terms of economy in Albania,” Rama said.

On the other hand, Rama said that “today we have managed to increase the average salary in the public sector to 900 euros, in conditions when our currency is stronger than ever before.”

“This is also a fact that speaks to a very robust economy and sustainable financial situation. Within the categories of public sector workers there are higher salaries, for example teachers today have the average salary of 950 euros per month” he added.

Rama also said that in the private sector, wages are increasing because the entrepreneurship already sees that investment in skilled labour force is of crucial importance.

Regarding tourism, Rama said it is now a mainstay sector of economy.

“Of course, this important development is associated with challenges, this is beyond question in all other sectors. I believe that as there are important things that have been achieved, but there are also important challenges to tackle.

The Prime Minister stressed that “all these together have led to Albania today having another position in the world in terms of reputation, respect, elevation of its name”.

“Albanians living abroad can measure and perceive this transformation more than anyone else and better than anyone else. All Albanians living abroad today hold their head high when they say I am from Albania because the reaction is positive and today it is very easy to meet people who say they have been or want to visit Albania” he added.

/sm/