TIRANA, May 22/ATA/ During January-April period of the current year, Albanian exports reached the value of 133 billion lekë, marking an increase of 2.3% compared to the same period last year.

Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja stated that 67.4% of Albanian exports are directed towards European Union countries, emphasizing the strategic significance of this market for the national economy.

According to official data, the most significant increase was recorded in the groups of mineral goods, fuels and electricity with 8.9%, food, beverages and tobacco with 0.6 % and machinery, equipment and spare parts with 0.5 %.

Kosovo has recorded an extraordinary increase of 81% in Albanian exports, while Greece and Germany have marked an increase of 9.3% and 6.6%, respectively.

"These data confirm strengthening of Albania's trade ties both at the regional level and with European Union countries," the minister stressed. /a.f/p.s./