Albania's Ministry of Finance published a readout of Finance Minister Petrit Malaj’s participation in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, focusing on discussions on Albania’s economic and financial outlook, policy priorities to safeguard stability, and ongoing cooperation with the two institutions. The ministry’s update also highlighted macroeconomic and fiscal indicators presented by Malaj, including continued fiscal consolidation and a declining public debt ratio. The ministry reported meetings with senior International Monetary Fund and World Bank officials, including Alfred Kammer, Diego Cerdeiro, Matteo Bugamelli and Antonella Bassani, with emphasis on reforms linked to sustainable development and European integration. Malaj cited GDP growth of 3.8% in 2025 with a 4% growth forecast for 2026, unemployment at 8.3% in 2025, average wages up 8.7%, and foreign direct investment of EUR 1.63 billion in 2025 (up 3.4% year on year). Public debt was reported at 52.9% of GDP at end-2025 (down from 65% in 2019), while budget revenues rose 6.2% year on year to around ALL 754.6 billion; the release also noted rating improvements by Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s. Separate engagements included a closed-door IMF European Department meeting with regional finance ministers and central bank governors, a bilateral meeting with US State Department Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, participation in the establishment of the Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC) led by Italy, and attendance at sessions on support for Ukraine and the World Bank’s “Water Forward” initiative.
Ministry of Finance (Albania) 2026-04-20
Albania's Ministry of Finance presents 2025 growth of 3.8% and public debt of 52.9% of GDP at IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings
Albania’s Finance Ministry reported Minister Petrit Malaj’s participation in the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings, focusing on Albania’s economic outlook, financial stability, and cooperation with the institutions. Malaj cited ongoing fiscal consolidation, with public debt projected at 52.9% of GDP by end-2025 (down from 65% in 2019), GDP growth of 3.8% in 2025 and 4% in 2026, higher wages, EUR 1.63 billion in FDI, stronger budget revenues, and recent sovereign rating upgrades. The ministry also highlighted meetings with senior IMF and World Bank officials, regional counterparts, and involvement in the Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center, support for Ukraine, and the World Bank’s “Water Forward” initiative.