##ate the authors of these research papers and other young people to continue and advance even further their research work. the author jeton zogjani is awarded the first place with the paper “ the efficiency and impact of banking electronic services : evidence for kosovo ” page 5 of 6 the author venera ratkoceri is awarded the second place with the paper “ the impact of remittances and foreign direct investments on economic growth evidence from albania ”. the author bedri hasanaj is awarded the third place with the paper “ characteristics of kosovo's economic growth in the last decade ” * * * finally, let me wholeheartedly thank you for the cooperation, professionalism and correctness you have shown in covering the financial and economic developments this year and let me wish you and your family great health, happiness and success for 2018. you are now welcome to ask questions. page 6 of 6

incorporated in the list of main priorities for bank of albania ’ s institutional approximation to the model applied in the european system of central banks. in addition, in light of addressing these priorities, the european commission decided to allocate eur 800 000 as under ipa 2015. after a long process of consultations and sharing information, for the first time, bank of albania ’ s experts put together a twinning project, which was submitted to the european union delegation to albania. at the end of the process, banca d ’ italia and deutsche bundesbank were selected to implement bank of albania ’ s project. banque de france and national bank of romania are also part of the team for certain components of the project. we feel privileged, certainly, by this close partnership with these two major central banks. relations with these two institutions date back to quite early in the history of the bank of albania. 1 / 2 bis central bankers'speeches whether multilaterally or bilaterally, they have assisted for many years the bank of albania achieve its objectives and operate like a modern and reliable institution. i am therefore optimistic about the success of this next project, irrespective of the relatively tight agenda and deadlines. now, let me briefly introduce you to the main components of this project. it will involve eight departments at the bank of albania and will address important issues, grouped as follows : 1. banking supervision and financial stability 2. monetary policy and statistics 3. internal audit 4. payment systems 5. other central banking functions such as human resources and european integration for each component, measurable results have been envisaged, which will be translated into regulatory documents, guidelines and specific recommendations related to policies. all outcomes will aim to approximate the final product at a higher level to standards and models of the european system of central banks. dear ladies and gentlemen, i hope that this project will deliver long - term results, and will strengthen the regulatory and operational frameworks at the bank of albania, an institution that makes substantial contribution to the sustainable economic development of albania. on behalf of the bank of albania, let me iterate our readiness and commitment for the successful implementation of the twinning project, as we strive with professionalism and responsibility to achieve its objectives. concluding, i would like to thank the european commission, for its support in securing funding for this project. i am certain that the commission will continue to support future initiatives of the bank of albania, as we deal with approximation challenges and endeavour to progress