PRESS RELEASE
Governor Sejko: Address to the third AAB conference on its 20th anniversary

On 14 May 2019, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr Gent Sejko attended the third conference of Albanian Association of Banks (AAB) on: "Banks for Sustainable Development", on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of AAB in Albania.

In the framework of raising the awareness of the society and of the banking industry for sustainable development, the conference was attended by policy-makers and representatives from national and international financial institutions, the banking system and associations of banks in the region.

The conference began with opening addresses by Mr Silvio Pedrazzi, Chairman of the AAB and Mr Gent Sejko, Governor of the Bank of Albania. 

In his address, Governor Sejko expressed his appreciation for the role of the AAB as a coordinator in the banking industry and for the considerable progress of the banking system over the last two decades. He highlighted that the development of the banking sector and of the financial system in general has constantly faced challenges of different forms and types. These challenges have required prudence as well as active, intelligent and courageous decision-making.

Furthermore, he stressed that the financial potential of the country should be reflected better into credit to Albanian enterprises and households. He added that the banking sector should pay more attention to the efficient allocation of funds. In parallel, more efforts are needed for the financial inclusion of the population. In this context, he said that the level of accomplishment for these functions will be mutually related to the pace of Albania's development in the long-term horizon.

Concluding, Governor Sejko said that he is confident that the banking sector will know to rise to these challenges and that the conclusions of the conference will serve as a first stepping stone in this regard.