Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj declared that during the second semester of 2021, GDP grew by 17.89%.

He emphasized that compared to the same period from last year, the main economic branches indicate considerable growth, especially in construction (41.6%).

He added that exports increased by 130%, and imports by 53.6%.

“These are important trends for an economic recovery”, said deputy premier Ahmetaj, adding that there has been a rise in family consumption.

According to him, from January 2020 to January 2021, all jobs lost due to the pandemic have been restored and presented a figure of 692,468 people employed.

“Economic growth is turning to a positive trajectory toward the objective for an annual average growth above 4.5%, as outlined in the government’s program”, he added.

Ahmetaj promised additional support for tourism, transport, and manufacturing.

“€50 million in support for enterprises in the tourism sector, €5 million for enterprises in the field of transportation and support for IT companies”, he said.

The deputy prime minister, responding to a question from Euronews Albania, said that in case the economic growth exceeds the government’s forecasts, a revision of the budget might be considered.

“We’re still in a pandemic and the post-earthquake reconstruction program is very dynamic, therefore we might have to review the budget, even for another positive reason, because revenue performed beyond forecasts. All this economic growth has translated into revenue growth”, responded Ahmetaj to Euronews Albania journalist Neritan Gjergo.