Elbasan: Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha, EU Ambassador in Tirana Silvio Gonzato, Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja and Chief Administrator of the Agency for the Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets, Risena Xhaja, closely observed the initiative “My Artisan Tradition,” which is another example of confiscated property turned into a social enterprise of a convicted person.

The focus is also on helping women and girls in need. At the same time, our culture is preserved through handmade products.

Restoring illegally obtained assets to the community is one of the primary objectives of the law governing the administration of confiscated assets, and it is accomplished through such examples.

In this context, collaboration with enterprises and civil society organizations is very important, as is the case now with the Municipality of Elbasan and in the past with Saranda, Fier, and Durrës. This is particularly true because these women’s and girls’ products—that is, the exquisite and distinctive carpets they make—need to find a market in order for these businesses to succeed as much as possible.

In the fight against criminal activity in Albania, the coordinated approach sends a clear message: confiscated assets, no matter how big or small, can be used for worthwhile social causes.

To show that legality wins and impunity has ended, we must make sure these projects are long-lasting and safe from harm.

Minister Hoxha emphasized that we will keep growing these kinds of partnerships in order to turn every resource into tangible advantages for the community.