In this framework some issues that deserve special attention will be: a)  Setting parameters that ensure a better equilibrium between performance of risky assets of the banking sector and financing resources, as concerns type of currency, maturity term, interest rate;  b)  Setting volumes and certain features of banks’ operational assets that enable maintaining of satisfactory liquidity levels;  c)  Identifying certain mechanisms that will mitigate the cyclicality in banking activity, particularly in the context of rapid growth of banking activity or in cases of its significant contraction;  d)  Strengthening requirements for managing extraordinary situations and business continuation;  e)  Improving structures of management, accountability and performance appraisal and increasing expenditure effectiveness for training, financial stimulation and human resources strengthening;  f)  Further strengthening of the requirements for transparency to clients, and the regulatory framework for customer protection from likely abusive practices in the financial system. The Bank of Albania will be committed to this process, making use of all necessary human and financial resources, aiming at further improvement of legal, regulatory and operational procedures, so as to create steadier conditions for a balanced banking activity, which remains profitable and carries out the intermediation process in a competitive way over the long run. We are convinced that this reassessment process is necessary, not only to operate in the framework of convergence to international standards, which are changing, but also to act pre-emptively to financial and banking activity risks, which arise from its rapid development.

I think that what I just said constitutes the essence of our contribution to the future: Let us do our best to make the economy move naturally towards a new equilibrium. All the institutions, policy-makers, administrators should be committed seriously to setting-up this new hotbed for our economy, so that as the years go by, it becomes attractive, competitive and profitable for every economic agent, either domestic or foreign. Getting away from the pressure exercised by the crisis whirlpool requires much optimism, energy and financial resources. At national level, ensuring steady foreign currency inflows, particularly in the form of foreign direct investments, remains a major priority. I think that the banking system has a prior role to play in this regard. It should be active in identification, promotion and financial backup. Thus the multiplier effect of foreign investments would gain a new dimension. Bailing the country out of the crisis spillovers requires not only energies, but also joint efforts. The irreversible path towards a democratic system of market economy requires financial architecture perfection and the country’s steady economic development in the long run. To this end, the drafting and implementation of wise development policies should be a constant, real and forward-looking priority, in full accordance with the European convergence framework. Only in this way we will harvest all comparative advantages that our country and the region and beyond provide to foreign investors. Let me finally emphasise once more that a well-capitalised banking system is a long-awaited development.