the sound parts from the problematic ones. if the current restructuring strategies lack the potential for improving the sick part, then perhaps it is the due time to pass to a new strategy that treats both parts of the business as separate from each other. this would enable an optimal solution in each specific case versus a unified refinancing strategy that was implemented so far. clearing the lending activity would bring about shifting of the new credit from inefficient refinancing to new development possibilities and economic growth, where the savings - investment balance is in equilibrium. this issue relates not only to the performance of the banking system and the financial stability of the country, but also to the ability of the economy to grow in the future. as i have also mentioned in other events, both the macro and micro factors that encouraged rapid economic growth in the recent years, are no longer present in the global and national economy. the new equilibriums we are living with show that the rapid consumption - driven growth models and credit - based growth models will no longer be present in out economy. this is true owing to supply and demand factors, since the rapid consumption - and creditdriven growth has aggravated the savings – investments balance sheets of agents in the economy. consequently, there should be found a new long - term economic growth model, capable of absorbing the financial resources, particularly the foreign ones, and generating an economic growth. the first step in this regard is the identification of the competitive advantages that the albanian economy generates and the acceleration of structural reforms in the albanian economy in the light of these priorities. it is a pleasure that our timely discussion topics and activities are in line with the agenda of this activity. thus the imf provides a valuable contribution to our economy through discussion of these topics. furthermore, through this activity, the imf enhances the transparency throughout the albanian economy regarding the economic development vulnerabilities from the imf viewpoint, thus participating in the country ’ s economic debate. i would like to emphasize the latter, because i find it particularly important with regard to the difference between scientific contribution and that of political economy. the imf comes to albania as a participant in this debate with four scientific papers, whose results are based on available and reliable statistics, identified economic models and conclusions based on wellgrounded assumptions and analyses. each of these elements is clearly explained in the working papers that will be discussed today. these elements altogether make the work replicable ( controllable ), open for discussion, and

gent sejko : " learn. save. earn. " speech by mr gent sejko, governor of the bank of albania, at the launching ceremony of the global money week, tirana, 27 march 2017. * * * honourable minister nikolla, dear aab chairman drougkas, dear guests, i have the pleasure to welcome you at the bank of albania premises. in addition to being a second home for its employees, since the opening of the museum, it has become an attractive learning place about finance for students. the global money week an event that involves local stakeholders in more than 140 countries is the highlight of all the educational activities conducted throughout the year. i am proud to say that, thanks to the persistent commitment of the bank of albania regarding financial education, albania has been featuring in the map of countries that organize this week. this persistence ensures the effectiveness of our educational programmes, and keeps active the connection between institutions engaged in the financial education of the public in general and the youth in particular. i take this opportunity to extend my most sincere gratitude for their commitment and support to the ministry of education and sports, the albanian association of banks, and other institutions present here today. under the motto “ learn. save. earn. ”, this year ’ s global money week is dedicated to raising awareness of young albanians on the importance of money and their involvement in the economic and financial system in albania and, why not, in the region and the world. the activities that will be organised during this week will especially aim at inspiring albanian children and youth to learn more about money, saving, creating prosperity, increasing employment and entrepreneurship. to illustrate this better, more than 45 activities will be organised and more than 3500 pupils and students will participate in these activities during this very busy week, with educational institutions : universities, high schools and nine - year schools. these numbers make us very proud, since they serve to raise the awareness on highly important issues, such as consumer information and financial inclusion. these two key issues contribute directly the economic wellbeing of households and businesses. financial education, especially of youth, is the best channel to put that effect in practice, as affirmed by the oecd, a reputable international institution. the bank of albania is and will remain dedicated to this mission, with the support of the ministry of education and other partners. their support and cooperation have had a decisive contribution in the success of such activities. also, the elective course “