Banks, Firms and Trade Finance Infrastructure in Albania

Abstract

Firms engaged in international trade face tosome risks, which are either not present or less present for the domestic trade. All, firms- SMEs or Companies contain elements of risk, but when they trade internationally, the risk profile is different than trading home. These include commercial risk, political risk, exchange and the country risks, such asthe possibility ofwar, political unrest, or unexpected import bans or tariffs, act. Banks play a critical role in facilitating international trade by guaranteeing international payments and reducing the risk of trade transactions in exports or imports. The effect of insured trade credit on trade is very strong and remains stable over the cycle, in crisis and non-crisis periods (WTO, 2012). By shortening the time of production, delivery, approved credit, the risk situation can be improved and in the same way as liquidity and profitability (Anders Grath 2008). If Albanian traders control the risks they can expanding exports into new markets and it can be very profitable. Using trade finance and reducing risks Albanian firms will be able to develop and take advantage of business opportunities. The trade finance infrastructure of Albaniaisthe institutions, laws, regulations and other systems related to the following three activities