PRESS RELEASE
Governor Sejko: Launching Ceremony of the National Programme “Double Your Enterprise”

On 17 July 2026, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr Gent Sejko, attended the launching ceremony of the “Double Your Enterprise” National Programme, organized by the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, with the participation of representatives of the government, the banking sector, business community and public institutions.

Governor Sejko was part of the first panel with topic “Financing as Driver of Economic Development” along with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr Edi Rama, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Ms Delina Ibrahimaj and the Chairman of the Albanian Association of Banks, Mr Bledar Shella. The discussions focused on the importance of encouraging private investment, fostering partnership between the government, the banking system and businesses, as well as on the role of "Double Your Enterprise" programme in supporting enterprises and the economic development of the country.

In his remarks, Governor Sejko addressed the importance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) as the cornerstone of the Albanian economy, highlighting their role in creating jobs and fostering economic growth. He focused on the improvements made to "Double Your Enterprise" National Programme, including extension of financing timeline and increase of the maximum amount of financing. These measures are aimed to expand financing and investment opportunities for businesses.

The Governor underlined that the program offers particularly favorable financing conditions, including low interest rates and a sovereign guarantee covering up to 70% of the required collateral, thereby facilitating businesses' access to financing.

Concluding, Governor Sejko called on banks to be proactive in implementing the programme and encouraged businesses to take advantage of the opportunities it offers, emphasizing that this initiative will contribute not only to expansion of credit, but also to diversify the banks’ portfolio and strengthen entrepreneurial activity in the country. He commended the cooperation with the Albanian Government and the banking sector for designing and implementing the programme, and conveyed his confidence that, over this year, the programme will deliver even better results in financing small and medium-sized enterprises.