TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN ALBANIA AND SERBIA (Policy Brief 2016/1)
TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN ALBANIA AND SERBIA (Policy Brief 2016/1)

Author(s): Sokol Lleshi, Dritan Sulçebe
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Inter-Ethnic Relations
Published by: AIIS Albanian Institut for International Studies
Keywords: Western Balkans; Trade Cooperation; Central European Free Trade Association (CEFTA)
Summary/Abstract: Serbia and Albania are the two largest countries of the Western Balkans and in the same time they exert a major political influence in the region. As such, the relations between these two countries are instrumental for the stability and the future integration of the region into the EU. In this context, the trade relationship between Serbia and Albania will play a crucial role to the further consolidation of the fragile political ties between both countries. There is an understanding that an increased trade inflow, based on the existing trade patterns between Albania and Serbia could provide a momentum and an impetus in the potential economic development and growth. However, structural reforms of the economy are a complementary and necessary aspect of making both economies more competitive, stable and reciprocally advantageous. As a result, the degree of economic interdependence between Albania and Serbia would be based on firmer grounds. The awareness and the willingness of the political elite in normalizing the relations between Albania and Serbia can be buttressed or checked by the potential for economic interdependence.

• Details
• Contents