I am delighted to announce the establishment of a Working Group responsible for drafting the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Free Zones.

Like our previous endeavors, we will undertake this task with commitment, accuracy, and a clear objective of improving the legislative framework for free zones, ensuring it aligns with the highest European and Western standards. The drafting process will begin shortly.

In the interest of inclusivity, comprehensiveness, collaboration, and transparency, the Working Group will comprise representatives from both government institutions and the non-governmental sector. This initiative has received strong backing from our international partners, and I would like to specifically acknowledge the expert support provided by the British Embassy.

The proposed amendments to the Law on Free Zones are intended to cultivate a conducive environment for attracting investments that will bolster the competitiveness of our economy while promoting economic growth and prosperity. I want to stress that the new legal framework will ensure that the Free Zone of the Port of Bar, which has been previously exploited for cigarette smuggling and other unlawful activities, will now function solely as a hub for economic and business development.

Nik Gjeloshaj
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Minister of Economic Development