"30 million euros of financial support for businesses" - From loans to technical assistance, what does the Italian-Albanian program contain?
The joint program of the Albanian and Italian Governments focuses on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, through interventions aimed at creating a favorable environment and facilitating access to bank credit, to improve technology and increase competitiveness in the local and international market, through technological innovation and improving production standards.
Gavril Lasku Director of the Italo-Albanian Program for the Development of SMEs:
"It has been one of the programs that has addressed one of the most important economic challenges and the needs of Albanian entrepreneurship for capital, for reducing costs and financing barriers, increasing security and support with guarantee funds, but not only support through technical assistance, in cooperation with all small and medium-sized enterprises, there is a need for international markets, mainly with Italy but also with other markets."
According to the Director of the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation, this program will empower small and medium-sized enterprises towards international markets. But what is the focus?
Stefania Vizzaçaro Director of AICS Tirana:
"And the objective is to open up to markets, not only the domestic and Italian market, but also the global market, the international market. I am convinced that, thanks to Italy, not only with this instrument but also with other instruments, there can be a partner who will know how to stand by and support this journey, this process."
But what is the focus of the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises?
Blerta Rama Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation:
"Our economic development policies are mainly focused on three pillars. One of them is the promotion of innovation and technology in entrepreneurship. Improving access to finance is also one of the main pillars, which remains a very big challenge for all small businesses. Another main pillar for us is increasing the competitiveness of enterprises."
Are Albanian companies ready to enter international markets?
Nikolin Jaka President of the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
"We have them, but we need a lot of support with the logistics part, and secondly, we need financing to support private entrepreneurship, whether in aggregates, in technology, or even in the preparation of human capital, which is the most important weapon for any private enterprise."
This program is open to natural or legal persons who own or represent micro, small and medium-sized enterprises or who wish to launch a start-up in Albania.
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