PRESS RELEASE
The Governor of the Bank of Albania meets the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Macedonia

A few days ago, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr. Shkëlqim CANI, met with officials of the National Bank of Macedonia and University of Tetova.

In the meeting held with the deputy Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Fatmir Besimi, they discussed several issues on the cooperation between the two central monetary authorities.

The main issues under discussion were inspection and banking supervision, including the entire banking system and financial associations. Both countries, host representatives of branches of the same banks, and therefore possibilities for joint inspection and supervision practices should be considered.

One of the conclusions of the Governor's visit in Macedonia was the organization of joint seminars and conferences of a regional character, touching upon central banking and the economy in general. The Bank of Albania and the National Bank of Macedonia could also organize training workshops in the respective countries, especially when they are supported and initiated by international organizations, such as the IMF, WB, USAID, BIS Basel, etc.

The campaign of cash replacement by means of alternative payment methods is being conducted simultaneously in both countries, and the experience of Macedonia can and should serve as "experience" to the Bank of Albania campaign for the reduction of cash, as stated by Governor Cani.

The deputy Governor of the National Bank of Macedonia, Mr, Besimi, stated that most of these issues are under implementation in Macedonia; however, we have encountered problems and delays in the their outcome".

The two agreed on cooperating in the field of statistics and exchange of information between the two monetary authorities. According to Mr. Cani, "in Macedonia, there are foreign direct investments from Albania and vice-versa, which can be used for the purpose of the balance of payments statistics and research from the two central banks. Likewise, cooperation could be further spread on the expected and attained results from the Free Trade Agreement, which can "undergo" joint analysis. "

The Bank of Albania and the National Bank of Macedonia are going to cooperate on the preparation and publication of joint studies and surveys on monetary policy performance, the banking and financial system in general, coordination of monetary policy with the fiscal one, exchange of experiences on the organization and functioning of central banks, central bank law, banking system law, etc.

Another issue discussed in the meeting was also the cooperation under the European integration framework, focusing on the capital account liberalization.

At the end of the meeting, the Governor and the deputy Governor of the National Bank of Macedonia were invited by Mr. Cani to visit Albania.