"Future Balkans" forum, political crisis and corruption are obstacles

"Future Balkans" forum, political crisis and corruption are obstacles

The lack of political stability in the Balkans has not only become a barrier to EU integration, but also to the creation of a common regional market that would help the strengthening of the economy.

Speaking at the economic forum titled "Future Balkans", the current Albanian president raised this concern by emphasizing the importance of economic consolidation.

"Political clashes hamper economic growth in the region," said President Ilir Meta.

Kosovo was the only country to respond to the invitation from Albania to attend the forum, although it was extended to all the Balkan countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Enver Hoxhaj, spoke harshly against the West accusing them of playing a match of chess with the Balkans.

"The Balkans are being used as chess pawns by the West," declared Hoxhaj.

German politician, Rezzo Schlauch, a representative of a political force forming a coalition with Angela Merkel's party, issued his criticisms to the Albanian government, declaring not enough work is being done to attract investment, stating:

"When I look at the pace of direct foreign investments, Albania has been on a stable level for years, but low. I think this it's insufficient.

"I think that Albanian institutions should work more proactively to foster direct foreign investment, not only from Germany but also from other Western countries."

For the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, the business climate needs to be improved in order to be more competitive in the region.

"Corruption and informality are obstacles to economic growth," he warned.  

The purpose of the conference is to enable a concrete platform for the involvement of the six Western Balkan countries in the global development agenda.


EMISIONET