REGIONAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS

REGIONAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ALBANIA'S PERFORMANCE WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

Authors
Zana GUZJA (JOCA), Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Agricultural University of Tirana
Ledia THOMA, Agricultural University of Tirana Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness

Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine Albania's performance within the main regional transport corridors. The research methodology employed is a comparative analysis of the Logistics Performance Indicator (LPI), an index developed and published by the World Bank. The LPI facilitates comparative analysis across the period 2007-2023. Comparisons of LPI values and rankings are comprehensive, encompassing not only Albania but also other nations within the main regional transport corridors. Identifying significant discrepancies between the LPI values and their six constituent components in Albania and other countries within and beyond the regional corridors enables the identification of areas requiring more immediate improvements and necessary interventions by the appropriate authorities. The objective is not solely to enhance the LPI value but also to reduce the disparities with the comparator countries, thereby augmenting the nation's competitiveness. The analysis concludes that Albania has retained the 2023 LPI value close to the average level for the period 2007-2023, primarily due to advancements in transport infrastructure and customs. The data indicate that Albania must pursue broader enhancements across other LPI components, including increasing logistics capacity and quality, adhering to deadlines for destination arrivals, and improving the ability to track movements. The countries within the study's corridors have made progress on these indicators, thereby conferring a competitive advantage over Albania. Extending the time series into the future will facilitate the application of quantitative assessment methods and yield statistically significant results.