PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Marie K. Thompson
DATE: June 6, 2001
First
Congress of Albanian Agribusiness Council (KASH) Draws Impressive
Audience
 Tirana,
Albania—"The formation of KASH—the Albanian
Agribusiness Council—was a milestone event for private business in
Albania," said the U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Joseph Limprecht.
"With agriculture accounting for more than half the economy,
the need for agricultural businesses to have a strong voice in
national affairs is clear. The formation of KASH was also a
significant accomplishment of the assistance the United States has
provided for many years through IFDC."
Ambassador
Limprecht made these comments during the opening session of the
first Congress of KASH on May 10, 2001, in Tirana, Albania. In his
address, the Ambassador showed that he understands the importance of
the meeting. "This is an historic moment for Albania," he
said. "Its purpose is to provide a forum for a discussion of
significant policy issues. As we near the parliamentary elections,
it is critical to have debate on questions about the economy and the
policies that will facilitate economic growth. . . . The
representatives of the political parties who are here will be able
to respond to [the issues discussed]. You will be able to compare
their responses and understand the party positions on agriculture.
You should be able to judge how their positions could affect your
businesses. And the reverse will occur. The parties will learn what
issues are important to KASH members. Through this process, KASH can
hold the parties accountable for what they say today. This is the
essence of democracy."
Besides Ambassador
Limprecht, attending the Congress were representatives of five out
of nine Albanian political parties, the Minister of Agriculture and
Food, World Bank, GTZ, Land O’Lakes, Swiss Agency for Development
and Cooperation, World Learning, the Rector of Tirana Agricultural
University, and representatives of the sixteen member associations
of KASH.
Under the auspices
of the IFDC project in Albania—Assistance to Albanian Agricultural
Trade Associations (AAATA), which is funded by the U.S. Agency for
International Development, KASH was founded on September 15, 2000,
as an umbrella for 16 member associations. The mission of the
organization is to unite as a single voice for advocacy. Through
their quarterly regional and national meetings, KASH members
assemble to raise advocacy issues, plan strategies, and resolve
issues with governmental authorities. The Council supports its
opinions based on the real knowledge of the consumers’ demands
through some 700 businessmen and 25,000 farmers, who invest millions
of U.S. dollars in the sector.
During the first
Congress of KASH the participants discussed the current and future
problems of the agricultural and agri-processing industry
development and presented to the Albanian Government decision makers
its opinions regarding the following:
- Necessity of
Institutionalization of Cooperation
- Problems in
Regard to Agricultural Land
- Agricultural
Product Marketing
- Reviews for
Improvement of Fiscal System
- Credit System
- Food Quality and
Safety
- Struggle Against
Corruption
- Power Resources
The first congress
of KASH marks the beginning of an organized effort to solve the
above problems. KASH will work toward the complete realization of
the solutions to these problems. In addition, the organization will
inform the interested associations and the public regarding its
efforts and negotiations with relevant state agencies. The further
strengthening of KASH through the active participation of its member
associations and increasing its membership will contribute to the
achievement of these objectives and further enhance KASH’s
reputation as an indispensable partner in Albania’s economic
progress.
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