The director of Monetary Policy at the Bank of Albania, Erald Themeli said that "the Albanian economy is following the trend of sustainable growth and the projections for 2025 are for it to grow in the range of 3.5% to 4%".

Themeli noted that "throughout the first quarters of 2024, economic growth has been at the level of 4% and indirect indicators suggest that the fourth quarter will also be at comparable levels. While inflation is at a low level and stabilized".

"Economic growth has been translated into an increase in employment and wages," Themeli, ATA reported Thursday.

According to him, the increase in the consumption of Albanian families and the positive trend of total investments are factors that support economic growth.

Themeli pointed out that, "in 2025, the central bank predicts that economic growth will be manifested in the direction of the growth of the services and construction sector, while for industry and agriculture, the projections are for a more moderate growth".

He emphasized that the strengthening of the lek about the euro had an impact on the reduction of the public debt to the level of 54%. A decrease of 10 percentage points in the last two years where 5% to 10% of the decrease is dedicated to the exchange rate. Along with other indicators that are monetary policy, is the growth of the economic base that expands the payment space of the economy.

Among other things, Themeli said that lending during 2024 has shown positive progress with a 16% increase or a portfolio of 100 billion ALL in 12 months, which is one of the highest flows than the budget deficit or the level of remittances.

He noted that the central bank is focusing on promoting lending to SMEs. Themeli said that "small business generates 80% of the added value in the Albanian economy. The level of their lending about lending is 4 times lower for businesses and corporations.

The Bank of Albania follows a free period of stability of the lek about foreign currencies.

According to him, as long as the economy increases productivity, increases the base of exports, and improves the ratio of currency inflows and outflows, it is automatically a premise for strengthening the exchange rate. “In response to this, we have pursued a relaxed ratio. During 2024, BSH has increased its presence in the foreign exchange market. In the 9th month of 2024, the interventions were 3 times higher than in 2023, to enable the foreign exchange markets, a time of reflection about the speed of the strengthening of the exchange," said Themeli.

"Inclusion in SEPA will affect the financial and economic development of Albania, contributing to its further integration with the EU market", he said.