Friday, January 14, 2022

The findings of a research paper developed by a group of economists alumni of the Academy of Political Studies were presented today at a roundtable with various policymakers and interest groups. The paper focusing on regional economic cooperation and the Open Balkans Initiative provided some recommendations on the interventions needed to reduce the key economic asymmetries of the Western Balkan countries and the policies needed to ensure maximum benefits from a common regional market. Due to the pandemic measures, the event was held in hybrid format enabling its follow-up and discussion with various actors.

Mrs. Odeta Barbullushi, national coordinator for the Regional Economic Zone and advisor to the Prime Minister, assessed this paper as very important to provide professional expertise in decision-making, but also to inform various actors and the general public on regional cooperation initiatives.
The authors of the paper, Enton Duro, lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, Klodian Muço, lecturer at the University "Lady of Good Counsel" and Altin Hoti, lecturer at the American University of the Middle East in Kuwait, presented the main recommendations to further develop the current comparative advantages of each country in the region.

This document was produced as part of the professional contribution of alumni of the Academy of Political Studies (ASP) on important policy development in the country with the support of the Council of Europe. The academy is pride of the alumni network - over 370 participants of fifteen generations - representatives of political parties, public administration, civil society, academia and the media, who have attended the program since its inception in 2007.

You can consult the paper at this link