This has boosted consumption and private investments, reduced credit price, and eased debt servicing costs for all segments of the economy. Reflecting these actions, the Albanian economy has made notable progress towards steady and long-term growth. The progress has been characterised by gradual acceleration of the pace of growth, expansion of employment and decline in unemployment, as well as improvement of private sector balance sheets. In particular, the banking sector appears liquid, well capitalised, with good profitability indicators. Regulatory capital hovers around 18%, notably above the minimum requirement, whereas the ratio of non-performing loans has dropped to 11% against the 25% maximum level recorded in 2014. Dear ladies and gentlemen, 2/4  BIS central bankers' speeches  The ultimate objective of our work has been and remains promoting sustainable development for the country. The philosophy of our work is built on four main pillars: professionalism, responsibility, accountability, and transparency. This philosophy has been tested and enriched with some valuable lessons learned during the last decade: First, monetary, supervisory and regulatory authorities should adopt a proactive approach to the country’s monetary and financial stability. This requires adequate institutional capacities and adopting a counter-cyclical approach, both toward monetary policy and macroprudential policy. It also requires constantly identifying current and potential challenges in order to address them in due time. Second, long-term economic growth should be anchored in continuous structural reforms.
Gent Sejko: A brave new world? The future of banking in emerging Europe Welcome address by Mr Gent Sejko, Governor of the Bank of Albania, to the Annual Conference of the Bank of Albania 2019, Tirana, 10 October 2019. * * *  Your Excellency Mr President, Honourable Madam Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, Dear representatives of the banking system, ladies and gentlemen, dear guests, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the Bank of Albania to our Annual Conference. This year the conference is co-organised again with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), namely its Institute of Global Affairs – internationally renowned for its leading expertise across the social sciences. The Conference this year will seek to address the latest trends in the banking industry in Albania, in the region and the rest of the world, focusing on challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us. Naturally, these issues are of great interest not only to actors in the banking market but also to central banks and other regulators of the financial market. As we share experiences and engage in open discussions, we will be able to identify far-reaching approaches that are best fitted to meet the challenges ahead. We have invited distinguished speakers and experts from renowned international institutions as well as other actors and regulators from Albania and the region. I am confident the conference will live up to its reputation.