Albania, Macedonia to scrap customs tariffs

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  • Risto the Great
    Senior Member
    • Sep 2008
    • 15658

    Albania, Macedonia to scrap customs tariffs

    TIRANA, March 3 (Reuters) - Albania and Macedonia will scrap customs tariffs to create a joint market, the economy ministers of the Balkan neighbours said on Tuesday.

    Members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) along with other Balkan states, the two countries see the move as integrating their markets before a hoped-for EU entry and offsetting fierce competition during the global economic crisis.

    "We have agreed to fully liberalize trade between Macedonia and Albania. In other words Macedonia and Albania will have a joint economic market without customs," Macedonia's Economy Minister Fatmir Besimi told a joint trade forum.

    Albania's overall trade exchange with Macedonia in 2008 stood at 105 million euros, with Albanian exports to Macedonia constituting 21 percent of the total of the CEFTA countries, up 47 percent compared to 2007.

    Imports from Macedonia have risen 33 percent, accounting for 26.7 percent of imports from CEFTA area, which uses lower tariffs to help develop trade between its members.

    "The figures show CEFTA's application has improved the growth of trade exchange between this group of countries, helping the integration of their economies," Albania's Economy Minister Genc Ruli said.

    Under CEFTA's free trade agreement, the two Western Balkan neighbours were obliged to negotiate the further liberalisation of their agricultural produce within May this year.

    Ruli saw the Balkans as being less affected by the global economic crisis but said it would sharpen competition in the markets.
    Risto the Great
    MACEDONIA:ANHEDONIA
    "Holding my breath for the revolution."

    Hey, I wrote a bestseller. Check it out: www.ren-shen.com
  • Soldier of Macedon
    Senior Member
    • Sep 2008
    • 13670

    #2
    I am still uncertain as to whether this is a good move for us or not, does this state afford us the same courtesy we do her, namely, recognition of the name chosen by its citizens? I know there was some talk about it recently, where do we sit with them in regards to mutual respect?

    Above all else, foreign relations included, the integrity of the Macedonian state must be ensured and acknowledged by all who we deal with. Otherwise, they are not worthy of our friendship or respect.
    In the name of the blood and the sun, the dagger and the gun, Christ protect this soldier, a lion and a Macedonian.

    Comment

    • Risto the Great
      Senior Member
      • Sep 2008
      • 15658

      #3
      Yeah, I hear you.
      But we are treated far worse by everyone else in the surrounding regions.
      I believe we can gain economically from this and it is a good thing.
      Risto the Great
      MACEDONIA:ANHEDONIA
      "Holding my breath for the revolution."

      Hey, I wrote a bestseller. Check it out: www.ren-shen.com

      Comment

      • Rogi
        Senior Member
        • Sep 2008
        • 2343

        #4
        Given the plans for using their port as the home port of the upcoming new Macedonian merchant fleet, I'd say this is a necessary thing

        Comment

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