Country Profile

Situated in the southeastern europe, albania is bounded by the greece to the south-east, montenegro from the northern side, the republic of macedonia from the eastern direction. Albania has 362 km long coastline on the adriatic sea in the west and on the ionian sea to the southwest direction. Albania is the esteemed member of the united nations, the organization for security and co-operation of europe, world trade organization, council of europe, organization of the islamic conference, and union for the mediterranean. On 3rd april, 1998, it has received an invitation to join the NATO. The nation is passing through the progressive stage where its telecommunication, transport and other such facilities are being redeveloping. Albania is working under the parliamentary democracy which has been established through a constitution. Now after every 4 years, elections have been held for the unicameral 140 seat chamber, the people's assembly.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• The economy has achieved the GDP growth of 5%.
• Italy, greece, france with serbia are considered as the major export partners.
• Service sector is the major GDP contributor followed by agriculture and industry.
• The country has been acknowledged as the leading exporter of medicinal plants in southeast europe.
• It is blessed with natural resources like coal, bauxite, copper, iron ore, nickel, timber, petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber.

International Trade

Major Export Items
Textiles and Footwear, Asphalt, Metals and Metallic Ores, Crude Oil, Vegetables, Fruits, Tobacco

Main Destinations of Exports
Italy, Greece, China, Serbia, Montenegro

Major Import Items
Machinery and Equipment, Foodstuffs, Textiles, Chemicals

Main Origins of Imports
Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules

• Valid passport with 6 months of validity.
• Complete and signed visa application form along with the passport size photographs.
• Letter from the applicant's company stating down the purpose and duration of visit along with the guarantee that the company will be financially liable for any expenses which will be arise during the applicant's stay in albania.
• Letter from the company or business associate situated in albania.
• Return tickets/onward tickets or confirmed itinerary.

Business Hours

Offices:   Monday to Thursday from 08:00 - 13:00 & 15:00 - 19:00, Friday 08:00 - 14:00

Public Holidays