Free Trade Negotiations: Croatia’s proposal severely harms Albanian exports to EU

TIRANA (Top Channel)- Croatia has made a proposal to the EU commission to raise the added value for the Albanian exports from 45%, that is currently, to 75% in order for them to obtain the certificate of origin. If approved by EU commission this added value will severely harm the Albanian exports.

Since the largest part of the “Made in Albania” goods are based chiefly on the import of raw material from abroad and the added value in the country is low, this proposal, if enforced, will block the foreign markets for Albanian goods, for if they do not obtain the certificate of origin they will be taxed by the EU customs.

In the meantime, Albanian government has not yet prepared a final proposal for the Free Trade negotiating meeting, scheduled for October 16, aiming the protection of the domestic business and the interest of the manufacturers – Top Channel reported today.

The situation seems chaotic, because the business itself is very little involved in drafting the proposals.

One thing is sure though: Albanian government will go to the meeting having a big disadvantage with regard to the Croatia’s proposal and is totally unprepared to object it.

A.Kola