Representatives from the Institute of Statistics of Albania on a Study Visit at NSI

Representatives from the Institute of Statistics of Albania (INSTAT) - Alma Mezini, Director of "Sectoral Statistics" Directorate and Ilirjana Kraja, Head of "Price Statistics" Sector – are taking part in a study visit at the National Statistical Institute (NSI) of Bulgaria. The visit is dedicated to Purchasing Power Parities (PPP) and the lecturers – Martin Somov, State Expert in “Consumer Prices, Housing prices and PPP” Department, and Evelin Yordanova, Head of “Health and Justice Statistics” Department – are providing methodological support and discussing good practices.

In his welcoming speech, the President of NSI, Assoc. Prof. Atanas Atanasov, PhD, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the development of bilateral and regional cooperation, as well as for the exchange of good practices in the field of official statistics. “PPPs are a key tool for international comparisons and are essential for conducting analyses related to economic performance, consumption, prices, and competitiveness," highlighted Prof. Atanasov. PPP data is used not only by European institutions when allocating structural funds but also by international organizations such as the IMF, the World Bank, and the UN.

The visit is taking place within the framework of the European Union’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA 2022) and aims to support the Western Balkan countries in the process of harmonizing their statistical practices with those of the European Statistical System.

The event highlighted the fruitful cooperation between Bulgaria and Albania in the field of statistics and the importance of study visits to promote the exchange of experience and good practices.