Publication
Rapid assessment of the impact of the global economic crisis on the apparel and footwear industry in Albania

The apparel and footwear industry flourished in Albania during the early 1990’s when Italian companies started to explore the Albanian market. After gradually testing the variety and quantity of product lines, many enterprises were established and grew from small units into large consolidated companies. Two key comparative advantages were the relatively cheap and abundant labour force and the proximity to important world markets of apparel and footwear.

This study shows the impact of the crisis on the industry, explores the measures that were taken in response to the crisis that helped cushion its impact, and offers recommendations for policy makers, industry leaders and practitioners such as the need to move up the value chain of production and marketing in order to increase profit margins and cushion the sector against future shocks.