Albanian businesses see the EU as a new growth engine - Processing industry, agriculture and trade await new export opportunities
Exporting businesses are very optimistic about the country's membership in the European Union, as they believe it will have a positive impact on the performance of their activities. According to a survey conducted by the Investment Council, approximately 7 in 10 companies assess Albania's membership in the EU positively/very positively, while exporters are more optimistic, specifically businesses with a turnover of over 10 million in sectors such as construction, agriculture and the processing industry.
Also, the most informed businesses about the membership process are exporters, large companies with over 8 million lek turnover, and the ICT, manufacturing and services sectors.
Businesses in the trade, industry, and agriculture sectors expect to have more export opportunities, i.e. market expansion for their products, after joining the European Union.
What other benefits do businesses expect from membership?
Improved standards and quality, increased fair competition and easier access to EU markets are the main benefits that businesses expect from membership. In terms of challenges, bureaucracy and administrative procedures, taxes and fiscal legislation, as well as product quality/production standards are perceived as the areas where adaptation will be most difficult.
On the other hand, regarding expectations at the firm level, 1 in 2 businesses or 49% of them see themselves growing and expanding after EU membership. Mainly, the processing industry, agriculture, forestry and fishing, transport and storage.
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