This paper examines developments in Albania’s income distribution and poverty during the transition to a market-oriented economy. It pays particular attention to the impact of price liberalization on the agricultural terms of trade and production, the decline in state enterprise employment,...

This paper describes a evolution of the financial system in Albania. The paper highlights that a two-tier banking system was created following passage of a new Central Bank Law and Commercial Banking Law in April 1992. The State Bank of Albania became the Bank of Albania and retained only the...

This paper describes economic developments in Albania during the 1990s. Macroeconomic performance deteriorated in 1996, as the fiscal stance was weakened ahead of the parliamentary elections in May. Although two large public sector wage increases contributed, it was mainly revenue shortfalls...

The global crisis left Albania fairly unscathed and ushered in the needed economic rebalancing. The policy framework has been challenged in the post-crisis environment significant headwinds. Despite improvement, external imbalances remain elevated. Fiscal consolidation in terms of a more...

In this study, antimoney laundering and counterterrorist financing measures (AML/CFT) were summarized. The measures taken to strengthen the financing system are analyzed. Albania’s level of compliance with financial action task force (FATF) is assessed. Legal systems and related institutional...

In this study, the report on the observance of standards and codes on the financial action task force (FATF) recommendations for antimoney laundering and combating the financing of terrorism for Albania was prepared by a team of the International Monetary Fund using the assessment methodology...

This paper reviews Albania’s 1999 Article IV Consultation, Request for the Second Annual Arrangement Under the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility, and a Request for Augmentation. Inflation fell to 2 percent in March 1999. The return to growth and low inflation reflected the government's...

This paper reviews macroeconomic developments in Albania during 1997–99. Backed by a tightening of monetary policy, inflation subsided quickly in the second half of 1997, and the exchange rate recovered from its earlier sharp depreciation. In 1998, the authorities continued on the path toward...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country

The Joint Staff Assessment (JSA) reviews the first Annual Progress Report of its Poverty Reduction Strategy paper, known in Albania as the National Strategy for Socio-Economic Development (NSSED). The JSA noted that the first year's performance in implementing the NSSED is satisfactory, and the...