What is holding back online trade? - Payments, customs barriers and consumer confidence. Solutions proposed
Online commerce is gaining more and more ground in the region, but the challenges for businesses remain numerous, not only in Albania but also in the region. 7 internet associations in the region have articulated the main problems of this sector.
From customs barriers to electronic payments, as well as logistical infrastructure, the online commerce sector is seeking concrete solutions to increase competition and consumer trust.
Valer Pinderi, Director of the E-commerce Association:
"Yes, almost all of us have the same problems. Surprisingly, the same problem that is in North Macedonia is also here, in Kosovo. The most important problems are those that need to be clearly addressed, for example, informality, a very big problem that affects the entire industry because the consumer who buys on an Instagram page that is not an online business at all but is simply a profile on social networks and thinks that this is the online sales, buying and trading industry. This affects the entire industry, all those players who are doing a great job, or are trying hard. Another aspect is cash, so most transactions in Albania are made via Cash on Delivery, which is over 92%. This also deforms the online trading formula. The other part that is still very critical, and can be highlighted among the three most important, is consumer protection. Online business is all connected through trust. Even if there is no institution, there is a directorate here, there are laws since 2008, that the product can be returned within 14 days, but the consumer does not know what to do with these rights. Consumer protection is the third problem that we have raised .
But what are the solutions for growing e-commerce?
"Banks are not very inclined to try for this, because they have high profits, etc. There are several other electronic payment institutions, which are very inclined to help the market. Our market does not need to switch to credit cards, but goes directly to wallets, payment processors, but they need attention from state institutions, they need attention from businesses to take them into consideration. They need these to come together and put together several campaigns, to show how simple and convenient it is to carry out transactions through wallets. And Albanians will understand that the cash part is very problematic. It seems like there is no cost, but the costs are very high."
Internet associations in the region invite businesses and interested stakeholders to propose concrete solutions, in order to prioritize key issues and develop online commerce.
Poll
"Ready to supply the US with aluminum and minerals" - Putin aims to expand economic cooperation with Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered the United States the opportunity for joint exploration of the country's rare earth metal deposits, as well as the......
Confiscated properties on the coast, list revealed - Among them are luxury hotels and apartments, but there is also no shortage of businesses
Despite Tirana having the largest number of confiscated assets, luxury properties illegally obtained by criminal groups are also numerous on the coast.......
EU, "secret weapon" for peace talks in Ukraine? - Over 200 billion euros in Russian funds could shake the balance at the table
US President Donald Trump is acting as if he has everything under control to end the war in Ukraine. But Brussels has an ace up its sleeve that it has yet to......
Control of transactions in exchange offices - Taxes, action on 20 entities. 643 others are “targeted”
Cash circulating in the Albanian economy is the focus of numerous state controls. The Tax Administration has launched inspections for the implementation of......
The number of green vehicles in the country is increasing - 84% of new cars are electric
Year after year, the vehicle fleet in Albania is increasingly green. The General Directorate of Road Transport Services reports that 391 all-electric......
"Albania Model" before the European Court - Deutsche Welle Analysis: Can Italy create asylum centers in Albania?
Not only Rome, but also many other countries are looking with great interest towards Luxembourg. The process regarding the Italian camps built in Albania,......
A new path to US citizenship? - Trump announces 'golden card' for "only" $5 million!
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. will sell a "golden card" to wealthy foreigners, granting them the right to live and work in the U.S. and......
US and Ukraine agree on terms of critical minerals deal!
The United States and Ukraine have agreed on the terms of a draft deal on minerals crucial to Kiev's push to win Washington's support as President Donald......
