Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the “Double Your Enterprise” event today, marking the launch of the government’s national programme to support small and medium-sized businesses as the country marks 35 years of a market economy.
In his speech, the head of government said that funding under this initiative could reach up to €1 billion.
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Rama said that, in the current period, the better the economic data, the more irritation it causes among citizens.
According to him, even news of an increase in the number of businesses produces the opposite reaction to what would be expected from a positive development. The prime minister said he considers this a meaningful indicator of development.
He argued that this reaction does not show that society fails to recognise progress, but rather that it demands much more and wants it immediately, without caring how it is achieved.
According to Rama, the approach of generations that once attached importance to the path travelled in achieving objectives has changed completely. Fewer and fewer people want to know where the country has been, while the constant mention of the progress made irritates them.
The head of government added that other people’s achievements encourage everyone to seek their own success, while every difference becomes a source of dissatisfaction when patience is required.
For this reason, he said, the initiative is of particular importance. Citizens seek new opportunities and are entitled to demand them from the government, while a relationship of trust is built on expectations rather than achievements.
Rama stressed that expectations shape people’s everyday lives and that the government has an obligation to respond to them in the areas of employment and entrepreneurship by offering more instruments similar to this programme.
He compared the governor’s position to that of the Pope, saying that nobody protests outside the Vatican, but stressed that the government is ready to raise support to €1 billion.
According to the prime minister, the governor has also stated that funds will be increased if necessary. Rama reiterated that up to €1 billion could be made available to small and medium-sized businesses seeking financing, but clarified that applicants must submit a plan, which will be approved by the bank.
He explained that the funds will not be withdrawn directly at the counter. Those with a plan will be offered assistance so that their proposals gain the banks’ confidence. Anyone who presents a plan can apply and obtain a loan of up to €2 million, at an interest rate of 2-3%, Rama said.
