Prime Minister Edi Rama, at the year-end conference with journalists, emphasized that 2023 has been a very good year for Albania. The head of the government added that the year will close with an economic growth of nearly 4%, a figure that exceeds the forecast of the government and international institutions. 

"In this conference, I can say that I feel better than in any previous year as a result of the whole progress of the year that we are closing, which has been better for Albania in every aspect, in the economic aspect, always here having considering the parentheses in relation to previous years. The best year in terms of security, in terms of public services, public and foreign investments, in terms of Albania's international position. In fact, this year should end with an economic growth that significantly exceeds any forecast made either by the government or international financial institutions. We believe that the final figure will be close to 4 percent, 3.7 or 3.8 percent. 

The income has been like never before and with a significant increase. In the first 9 months, Albania received 3.2 billion euros in revenue, a very high figure without any comparison. Tourism is considered part of all export items, also this year there was a further decrease in real unemployment. Today we have an unemployment rate that is the lowest so far at 10.5%. The aim is to decrease step by step below 10%. Foreign direct investments have reached a value of over 1 billion euros, or nearly 60 million euros over last year. 

The minimum wage increased to the value of 40 thousand lek, which coincides thanks to the strengthening of the local currency like never before with 400 euros. Support and compensation programs have started, for social and health insurance, even for pensions that, thanks to the indexations made this year, have reached the value of about 9%. Salaries in the public sector have increased significantly. In June, they will have another significant increase, teachers, doctors, employees, the administration will have an increase that will bring the average salary in the public sector to 900 euros. 

The support program with loans guaranteed by the government for young couples up to the age of 40 was launched, it is financially supported to reach a figure of 1000 houses, for these three categories who are also state servants. We have had an increase in energy production by 30%, 2 thousand families have been supported with photovoltaic panels, support that will continue to grow. 

Rinas has already climbed to the top with the airport of Belgrade, the airport with the largest number of passengers in the region, it is the airport with the highest growth in the classification of the European agency for all of Europe. Over half a million travellers have landed at the port of Saranda. We have opened the way for an important investment in Saranda for the new tourist port, we are in the process of evaluating the existing port. 37 projects for 24-hour drinking water supply in 29 municipalities have been closed. 

Agricultural exports have continued to grow, investments in irrigation and drainage infrastructure have continued, embankment rehabilitation has continued, and hundreds of kilometers of drainage channels have been cleaned. 

Financial support program for mothers with three children as well as support for diabetics. Significant investments are being made in the health system. 

Another success was that of internal diseases of QSUT. We continued with smart laboratories in schools, after 100 smart laboratories we will continue with 216 more next year. The salary of the academic staff has been increased," Rama said.