of the then prevailing exchange rate system and the crawling band regime to sustain themselves. immediately after the float, the market experienced some volatility as is usually expected. however, this volatility has been contained overall since then. this, not only brought confidence to the market, as evidenced by increased foreign exchange inflows, but also allowed greater flexibility and market opportunities to foreign exchange dealers of commercial banks. subsequent to the float, the central bank became a net buyer of foreign exchange from the market, in sharp contrast to its experience in the period prior to that. our objective with regard to the foreign exchange market is to ensure an orderly adjustment of the exchange rate, without excessive volatility. such adjustment should reflect the emerging economic fundamentals of the country. we should ensure that demand and supply mismatches are addressed on time so that there is no excessive volatility in the exchange rate. turning to the theme of this year ’ s conference, i. e. “ is it time for a common currency in the saarc region? ”, i believe that it would give rise to much interesting and thought provoking discussion and debate. we know that the saarc was established in 1985, with the objective to provide a platform for the peoples of south asia to work together in a spirit of solidarity, trust and understanding. it aims at accelerating the process of economic and social development of member countries. i believe the considerations of the timeliness to introduce a common currency for the region will be supportive towards the objectives and aims of saarc as well. while taking note that deliberations such as these would definitely lay the foundation for future developments in the saarc region, i take great pleasure in inaugurating this conference today and wish you all success with the conference. and i would also like to urge you to take a little time off to visit some places of interest, while you are in this beautiful country, sri lanka. thank you.

. in order to have a responsible approach in this regard, the bank of albania has approved the strategy on financial education and inclusion ( boasfei ). this document, as compiled in compliance with the best international practices, makes official the efforts of the bank of albania in promoting financial education as a public good for everyone, for bolstering financial inclusion, consumer protection and increasing financial welfare of individuals as well as the stability of entire financial system. we are pleased to share this objective with various public and private institutions and organisations engaged in the area of finance, education and development, which focus their work on the enhancement of financial literacy. the common work may transform the bank of albania strategy on financial inclusion and education into a national one, which would coordinate at a national level the initiatives of all stakeholders, driving to more tangible results. i am optimistic that we will reach this objective sooner rather 2 / 3 bis - central bankers'speeches than later. the activity today is part of this strategy'the action plan, allowing these important collaborators to present and display their work and projects and coordinate their visions and objectives. as we work together for accomplishing these common objectives, a special thank is addressed to public institutions that adopt policies which promote financial education and inclusion ; financial institutions that develop and provide all - inclusive financial products and services ; educational institutions which integrate financial education in their curricula and programs ; non - government organisation that work in the field to educate and empower their communities ; as well as the information technology companies and fintech innovators who work to digitally transform the financial sector. before concluding, i would like to express my gratitude to the world bank, seco and the swiss embassy in tirana, and absolutely the albanian government, as they are important partners in the process of drafting and implementing these challenging projects. together, we could build an inclusive society in a financial manner, where each individual can develop and realise its own potential. thank you! 3 / 3 bis - central bankers'speeches