In the long run, the persistence of structural reforms remains a priority for stimulating the economic growth rates. The Bank of Albania has constantly called for the restructuring of the Albanian economy and the need for a new economic growth model. It should be an export-oriented growth model and it should create a more favourable environment for promoting foreign direct investment  BIS Review 175/2010  1  at home. Increasing economic growth potential is, among others, a necessity against a background of steady employment growth and lower unemployment figures. The Bank of Albania has been consistent and transparent about the targeted macroeconomic policy approach. We have requested and welcomed the re-orientation of fiscal policy towards bringing the budget deficit down and keeping the public debt level in check. The successful borrowing via the issuance of Eurobond is a positive signal for the Albanian economy and it will help finance public sector’s activity with foreign currency in the short-run. On the other hand, the quotation of the Albanian sovereign debt in the international markets will require greater commitment in order to maintain appropriate parameters of fiscal sustainability. Pursuing these principles in 2011 budget and in the medium-term public finance framework would be the first right step in this regard. Keeping inflation under control will continue to guide our monetary policy judgment and decision-making on interest rates and the liquidity conditions in economy.
Ardian Fullani: Brief overview of key topics and the appropriate macroeconomic policy response Speech by Mr Ardian Fullani, Governor of the Bank of Albania, at the joint press conference of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission with the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Albania, Tirana, 3 November 2010. *  *  *  Dear Mr. Minister, Dear Mr. Bell, Dear media representatives, It is a pleasure for me to appear before you today following a week of intensive and fruitful discussions to present the Bank of Albania’s position. Allow me first to underline that the meetings held broadly confirmed the conclusions provided in our last monetary policy report and the Bank of Albania’s outlook regarding its future performance. In what follows I will provide a brief overview of our opinions, dwelling upon the key topics of discussion: current and expected economic developments; risks and related concerns, and; the appropriate macroeconomic policy response. The Albanian economy had a positive performance in the first nine months of 2010, expressed in positive growth rates and improved key parameters of macroeconomic stability. In turn, the recovery has been reflected in contained and downward inflation rates, improved current account deficit, lower budget deficit and relative sustainability of public debt figures. These developments contributed to fully restoring confidence in the banking system, lowering the interest rates and the risk premiums, enhancing the exchange rate sustainability and improving the liquidity and financial sector’s balance sheet indicators.