Albanian Institute of Statistics

Trade between Albania and Kosovo is not meeting targets set by representatives from both countries, with Albania's exports falling in value in 2016 from around 157 million euros to 125 million euros annually.

The drop is fuelling concerns that small and medium-sized businesses are receiving inferior treatment. 

Ahead of parliamentary elections in June, Prime Minister Edi Rama has been taking to Facebook to say he will help people to find jobs, but he hasn't delivered on his employment promise from the previous polls four years ago, economic experts told BIRN.

Trade between Albania and Serbia continues to grow, although the total size and value of the exchange remains modest - and economists believe much of the potential has yet to be explored.

The survey of medium and large companies in the country that was carried out by the National Institute of Statistics discovered that Albanians usually work longer hours while getting paid much less than workers in neighbouring countries with similar levels of economic development.

“Over one third (36.2 per cent) of business representatives did not report bribery because they consider there is no need to report bribery, as it is common practice to pay or give gifts to public officials,” UNODC said in a statement.