Albania gap analysis

Albania made substantial gains in first-stage economic reforms early on in the transition, and since 1995, it has undertaken more modest incremental gains. Second-stage economic reforms in Albania lag considerably behind first stage, although steady, albeit modest, gains in second- stage reforms have been realized since the mid-1990s as well. In a business survey in 2008, the absence of reliable electricity was rated as problematic by more Albanian businesses (80% of those surveyed) than any other possible constraints considered. This was followed by burdensome tax rates (60%), challenges stemming from Albania"s telecommunications infrastructure (55%), and inadequate skills and education of the work force (53%). Three of these issues, all but burdensome tax rates, were perceived to be more problematic in 2008 than they were in 2005. (Author abstract)