PRESS RELEASE
Regional meeting of the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Ardian Fullani, in Kukës

On 12 September 2008, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Ardian Fullani, held in Kukës town a regional meeting entitled The banking system: Promoter of economic development'. Participants in this meeting were the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Rexhepi, the Mayor of Kukës and other representatives of the local government, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tirana, Mr. Gjok Uldedaj and other representatives, Mayor of Prizren municipality, senior officials of the Albanian banking sector and officials and professors of the branch of Tirana Economic Faculty in Kukës.

This meeting is a follow-up of the similar meetings held in the cities of Korça, Gjirokastra, Shkodra and Saranda. The Bank of Albania aims not only to introduce itself as a reliable partner in the regional economic development but also to establish and consolidate communication bridges with all the players and stakeholders.

The main speech in this meeting was held by Mr. Ardian Fullani, Governor of the Bank of Albania. In his speech, Mr. Fullani dwelled on issues that relate to the latest developments in the global economy and to the economic situation in Albania, with special focus on the general economic, financial and cultural development of the District of Kukës.

More concretely, Mr. Fullani provided in his speech an overview of the geographical expansion and augmentation of services provided by the Albanian banking system. In addition, the Governor noted that: The Bank of Albania has taken a number of measures to increase prudence in view of attaining the banking system stability... The rapid development of the banking system and the enhanced competition require the Bank of Albania to take concrete measures in order to enhance the banking system's discipline in terms of assessing the risks related to credit.

Concluding his speech, the Governor pointed out the potentials of the District of Kukës to develop into an area with developed economy, qualified human resources, mountain, ethnographic and curative tourism, modern road infrastructure, commercial activity and developed cross-border co-operation.

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Rexhepi, expressed his belief that both sides of the border will progress alongside in the path of multilateral development.

The meeting later continued with open discussions with the participants on the possible projects and the potentials this region offers. Business representatives encouraged the increase of co-operation with commercial banks, which represent a strong support for the further development of their economic activity. They noted that the expansion of the banking system in the District of Kukës has naturally triggered the increase of business value in this area.

The participants encouraged this initiative of the Bank of Albania for direct communication with the regional economic players, underlining that the benefits will be reciprocal for both the banking system and the business community.

Meeting of the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Ardian Fullani, with the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Rexhepi

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Ardian Fullani, had a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Rexhepi. The two governors discussed the further enhancement of the bilateral co-operation between the two institutions, more specifically, in the area of banking supervision, payment systems, human resources trainings for both central banks, etc.. The intensification of co-operation in the area of public education was another key topic discussed in this meeting. The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Rexhepi, assessed the Bank of Albania experience in this context as very useful and remarkable.

Bank of Albania Day

During his visit in Kukës town, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Ardian Fullani, and heads and employees of the Bank of Albania organized Bank of Albania Day' in the branch of Tirana Economic Faculty in Kukës.
Bank of Albania Day' is held in special days of the year and so far it has been organized in the cities of Tirana and Elbasan. This day provides students with the opportunity to listen to presentations and have open discussions and meetings with the Governor of the Bank of Albania and heads and specialists of the central bank. In addition, the Bank of Albania organizes mini-fairs in the universities' halls with its publications, periodical reports, conference books, papers and educational brochures.