Location, Size & Sectors

In-depth interviews were carried out with a  representative sample of 78 traders, who represented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and  belonged to the strategic non-resource sectors . The majority were located in the capital city of Tirana and its vicinity; location choices that seem to be a function of the availability of transport infrastructure. The Tirana- Durrës region offers proximity to the country’s largest seaport in Durrës and main international airport, Tirana International airport, thereby putting the enterprises operating in this region an advantageous position (keep the figure that is already on the portal)

The majority of the enterprises belonged to agriculture, with manufacturers of miscellaneous products and chemical industries constituting the second largest group (see excel sheet and PPT for the pie). 

Exports and target markets

While all the enterprises were heavily involved in foreign trade, their activities were tilted towards imports. The share of those involved in exports was 35 percent only as opposed to 54 percent, the share of enterprises with an exclusive focus on import activities. Moreover, importers showed a lower tendency to engage in production activities, suggesting limited demand for locally produced goods

 The surveyed enterprises exported 32 products, with processed food along with fresh fruits and vegetables constituting  the largest group, followed by machinery and transport equipment.  (see excel sheet for products). The surveyed enterprises exhibited a diversified list of target markets, with Kosovo[1] and the FYROM standing as the main outlets for the enterprises’ exports, with China, Greece, Italy, the Russian Federation and the USA constituting secondary markets

[1]All references to Kosovo in the present document should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo

Exports by country of destination

Destination	Products
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Banana
China	Chrome, lemon and tomatoes
Cyprus	Pallets
England	Beer
France	Thyme
Germany	Sage and beer
Greece	Beer, furniture, herbs, pallet and spices
Hungary	Watermelon
Italy	Pallet and beer
Kosovo	Electrical equipment (alarm systems, sound systems, fire protection systems and switches, laptops, printers, servers), banana, dried fruit, herbs, honey, dairy products (fresh milk and cheese),  fresh sausage, beer, raw materials for industrial butter, plastic water bottles, carton packaging and varnishes.
Montenegro	Banana and medicine
Russian Federation	Cucumber, peppers and tomatoes
Serbia	Banana
FYRM	Electric equipment (alarm systems, sound systems, switches, laptops, printers, servers), beer and spices
United Arab Emirates	Pallets
USA	Sage

Supply sources

The enterprises brought 97 products, including food and live animals, consumer goods, medicine and construction materials, the bulk of which is imported from the neighbouring countries of Italy and Greece to cut down on transport costs. The two countries as representing 32 percent of the enterprises’ total imports.

Transport modes