USAID helps out Albanian apparel and shoe firms
A number of garment and footwear companies operating in Albania’s Shkodra region are attending USAID (United States Agency for International Development) workshops to learn how to improve the quality of their manufactured products.
Throughout September and October, USAID is sponsoring 12 workshops in a bid to improve competitiveness and export sales. It is also offering seven Albanian garment companies further one-on-one technical assistance.
The workshops show companies how to install management and quality control systems to reach efficiency targets and reduce production costs. By applying these tools and methods, USAID believes Albanian garment companies can improve the quality of their products to meet international standards, helping them to compete more effectively in European markets.
“USAID is working in this sector because of the potential to increase sales for the companies and create more jobs for Albanian workers,” said USAID mission director, Joseph Williams. “It is important for Albania’s economy to have industries and companies that develop high standards of quality and are competitive in the domestic and foreign markets.”
Albania’s garment industry accounts for an estimated 27% of the country’s exports and employs more than 40,000 workers.
