 
 RESTRICTED  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6  
6 September 1999 
 (99-3700) 
Working Party on the  
Accession of Albania Original:   English 
 
 
 
ACCESSION OF ALBANIA  
 
Draft Schedule on Services  
 
Revision  
  The following revised draft Schedule on Servi ces has been received from the Ministry of 
Economic Co-operation and Trade of the Republic of Albania. 
_______________  
  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 2 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
A. HORIZONTAL COMMITMENTS 
Real Estate  3) Natural and juridical foreign persons that 
intend to supply services or are supplying 
services in the territory of Republic of 
Albania will be entitled  to lease or to buy non-agricultural land n ecessary to carry out 
their business whether the land  is state-
owned  or privately owned. To buy state-owned non-agricultural land the value of 
investment at the certain land must be three 
times higher than the value of non - 
agricultural land The Council of the 
Ministers defines the value of non-agricultural land when it  is  state owned  
property. 
No restrictions apply with regard to the 
acquisition of private land as well as leasing 
of land  
Entry and Temporary Stay of 
Foreign Natural Persons 4) Entry of  physical persons from Member countries 
is limited to the following categories. 
(a)  Intra-corporate transferees: Essential persons 
(executives and senior managers, specialists) who are 
employees of a business or company providing services in Albania through a branch, subsidiary or 
affiliate established in Albania. The entry is limited to 
a period of 5 years.   
 (b) Service sellers:  These are persons employed or 
mandated by an enterprise and who stay temporarily in Albania in order to conclude  the contract for the sale 
of a service on behalf of enterprise which employs 
them or mandated them. The entry is limited to a 
period of 6 months in any 12 months period and is 
renewable.    
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 3Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
 Persons who are employees of an enterprise that has 
not commercial presence in Albania, which has 
conclude a service contract with an enterprise engaged 
in substantive business in Albania. The entry is limited 
to a period of 6 months in any 12 months period and 
renewable.   
 (c) Persons responsible for the setting up a commercial 
presence: Persons who are employees of an enterprise not having commercial presence in Albania and who 
stay temporarily in Albania for the purpose of setting 
up a commercial presence of that enterprise in 
Albania. The entry is limited to a period of 3 months 
and is renewable.   
Control on capital transactions 
and capital  movements - No restrictions apply for the inflows of capital. 
Legal and natural persons (not including banks), 
residents and non-residents can freely carry out the following outflows capital transactions: 
1. Outflow capital transfers equalling the amount of 
previous inflow of capital plus the profits derived from:   
 (a) returns;  
(b) compensations;  
(c) payments arising out of an investment dispute;     (d) loan repayments according to loan amortization  
schedule.  
(e) proceeds from the sale or liquidation of any or all  part of an investment, and 
(f)  the return of shareholders equity resulting from the 
diminution of capital in accordance with Albanian legislation.   
 2. Outflow capital transfers representing the amount of 
profits derived from the non-residents deposits  placed with Albanian resident banks.    
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 4 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
 3. Outflow capital transfer s representing the wealth of 
the Albanian emigrants leaving the country forever.  
Any other outflow capital transactions can not be carry out freely from residents and non-residents. Residents 
or non-residents who may want to transfer capital 
abroad, other than the above mentioned ones have to obtain prior written approval from the Bank of Albania 
(BOA).   
 The Bank of Albania reserves the right to maintain 
capital controls which will apply on national treatment 
basis.  The regime currently in place will be removed 
no later than 2010.   
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 5 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
B. SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS 
1. BUSINESS SERVICES  
A. Professional Services 
(a) Legal services (861) 
(a) Legal services  
(861 except consultancy on law of jurisdiction where the service supplier is qualified as a 
lawyer and on international law) 1) Only Albanian citizen s-attorneys-at-law and 
notaries who reside in Albania have the right to render such services. 
2) None. 
3) Only Albanian citizen s-attorneys-at-law and 
notaries who reside in Albania have the right to 
render such services. 4) Only Albanian citizen s-attorneys-at-law and 
notaries who reside in Albania have the right to 
render such services. 1) Unbound 
  
2) None. 
3) Unbound 
 
 4) Unbound  
  
Consultancy on law of jurisdiction where the 
service supplier is qualified as a lawyer and on international law.  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
(b) Accounting,  auditing and bookkeeping 
services (862) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
(c) Taxation services (863) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) None.  
(d) Architectural servi ces (8671) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.   
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 6 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(e) Engineering Services (8672) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated  in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
(f) Integrated engineer ing services (8673) 
 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated  in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
(g) Urban planning and landscape architectural 
services (8674) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated  in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None.  3) None. 
4) None.  
(h) Medical and dental services 
(9312) 
 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
  
 
 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None, except that licensing is done 
only in cooperation with an Albanian 
professional whether this professional is 
a partner or an employee in the foreign 
company. 4) None.   
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 7Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(i) Veterinary services (932) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
  
(j) Services provided by midwives nurses, 
physiotherapists and paramedical personnel 
(93191)  1) Unbound
* 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) Unbound
* 
2) None. 
3) None, except that licensing is done only in cooperation with an Albanian 
professional whether this professional is 
a partner or an employee in the foreign 
company. 
4) None  
 
B.  Computer and Related Services 
(a) Consultancy services related to installation 
of computer hardware (841) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicated  in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
(b) Software implementation services (842) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
(c) Data processing services (843) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
                                                      
* Due to lack of technical feasibility  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 8 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(d) Database services (844)  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
(e) Other (845+849) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  4) Unbound except as indicated  in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
E. Rental/Leasing Services without Operators 
(e) Other (832),  including pre-recorded video 
cassettes for use in home entertainment equipment and optical disks (83202) 1) None.  
2) None. 3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
(F) Other business services 
(a) Advertising services (871)  1) None.  
2) None. 3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
(b) Market research and public opinion polling services (864) 1) None.  
2) None. 
3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
(c) Management consulting services (865) 1) None.  
2) None. 
3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 9Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(d) Services related to management consulting 
(866) 1) None.  
2) None. 
3) None.  4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
(e) Technical testing and analysis services (8676)  1) None.  
2) None. 
3) None.  4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
(f) Services incidental  to agriculture, hunting 
and forestry (881) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
(g) Services incidental to fishing (882) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
(h) Services incidental to mining (883);  (5115) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  4) Unbound except as indicated  in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
(i) Services incidental to manufacturing (884, 885) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
(m) Related scientific and technical consulting 
services (8675) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.    
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 10 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(n) Maintenance and repair of equipment 
(663+8861-8866) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.   
 
Disinfecting and exterminating services (87401) 1) Unbound
* 
2) None. 
3) None.  
 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) Unbound
* 
2) None. 
3) None, except that licensing is done only in cooperation with an Albanian 
professional. 
4) None.  
 
(q) Packaging services (876) 1) Unbound* 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) Unbound
* 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
(r) Printing publishing (88442) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.   
 
(s) Convention services (87909) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
 
  
 
  
                                                      
* Due to lack of technical feasibility.  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 11Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
2.  COMMUNICA TION SERVICES  
A.  Postal services 
Postal services related to parcels (75112)  
1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None, except as indi cated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  
1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
B. Courier services (7512) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
C.  Telecommunication Services 
The commitments undertaken by Albania are based on the scheduling principles provided by the following documents: 
Notes for Scheduling Basic Telecom Servi ces Commitments  (S/GBT/W/2/Rev.1) and 
Market Access Limitations on Spect rum Availability  (S/GBT/W/3) 
For all sub-sectors of telecommunication 
services.  1) & 3) Albanian Telekom (AT) has exclusive 
rights for fixed telephony except in rural areas. No 
limitations from 1 January 2003. For mobile network services, Albanian Mobile 
Communications (AMC) has exclusive rights until 
privatization is concluded. The privatization of AMC will be concluded by 31 December 1999.  
4) Natural persons can not provide 
telecommunication services in Albania if they are 
not registered as juridical persons.  The Government of Albania 
will publish the rules and 
regulatory policy regarding further competition in the field 
of basic telecommunication 
services. The attached reference paper on regulatory 
principles is incorporated as 
additional commitments by the Republic of Albania.  
(a) Public Voice Telephone services (7521) 
Public local voice telephone services (Urban) (75211) 
 
 1) None as of 1 January 2003. 
2) None. 
3) None as of 1 January 2003. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments and in the ho rizontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
  
 
  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 12 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
Public local voice  telephone services (Rural) 
(75211) 
 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments and in the ho rizontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
  
 
 
Public long distance voice  telephone services - national (75212) 1) None as of 1 January 2003. 
2) None. 3) None as of 1 January 2003. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments and the hori zontal section of the 
telecommunications sector.  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None. 
  
  
International public voice  telephone services  
(75212) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None as of 1 January 2003. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments and the hori zontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
  
 
 
Analogue/digital cellular/mobile telephone services  (75213) 
- mobile voice and data services 
- Personal Communication     Services. 1) None.  
2) None.  
3) None as of 1 January 2000. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitment and the horizontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.   
(b)  Packet-switched data transmission services 
(75231)  
 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments and the hori zontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.   
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 13Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(c) Circuit-switched data transmission services 
(75232) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments and the hori zontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
(d) Telex services (7523) 1) None as of 1 January 2003. 
2) None. 3) None as of 1 January 2003. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitment and the horizontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
  
(e) Telegraph services (7522) 1) None as of 1 January 2003. 
2) None. 
3) None as of 1 January 2003. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitment and the horizontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
 
(f) Facsimile services (75211, 7559)  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments and the hori zontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.   
 
 
(g) Private leased circuit services (7522+7523) 
 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None as of 1 January 2003. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitment and the horizontal section of the telecommunications sector. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
  
 
  
 
  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 14 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(o) Other telecommunication services (7529) 
Paging services, value-added services, (75291) 
e.g., electronic mail, voice mail, on-line 
information and database retrieval, electronic 
data interchange (EDI), enhanced/value-added facsimile services including store and forward, 
store and retrieve, code and protocol 
conversion, on-line information and/or data processing (including transaction procession).   1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments and the hori zontal section of the 
telecommunications sector. 
 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.   
D.  Audiovisual services  
(a)  Motion pictures and video tapes 
distribution services (96113) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  
 
4) Unbound except as provid ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None, except unbound for motion 
picture subsidies. 
2) None.  3) None, except unbound for motion 
picture subsidies. 
4) None.  
(c) Radio and television transmission services 
(7524) limited to network services necessary 
for transmission of radio and TV signals and 
not establishing an obligation with regard to 
content of what is being transmitted. 1) A repetition station must be licensed by the 
National Council of Radio and Television. This 
Council defines the number of repetition stations 
for every public area.  
2) None. 1) Unbound 
 
 
 
2) None.   
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 15Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
 3) A national radio television company must be 
established in the form of limited liability 
company where a holder can not have more than 40% of shares. A shareholder that invests its 
shares in a national radio television company can 
not invest its shares in an other national radio television company. The validity period of the 
license for national radio transmission is limited to 
6 years and for local transmission is limited to 3 years. The validity period of the license for 
national television transmission is limited  to 8 
years and for local transmissi on to 5 years. It is not 
allowed to borrow the name of another radio-
television company. The natural persons can not 
obtain the license if the transmission covers an urban area with over than 200.000 inhabitants. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  3) None 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
4) None.  
(e) Sound recording services n.a. 
 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
 
3. CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED ENGINEERING SERVICES  
A. General construction work for buildings 
(512) 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
B. General construction work for civil 
engineering (513) 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) None.  
  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 16 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
C. Installation and assembly work (514 + 516) 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) None.  
 
D. Building completion and finishing work (517) 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) None.  
 
E. Other (511+515+518) 1) None. 
2) None.  3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None.  3) None. 
4) None.  
 
4. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES  
A. Commission agent's services (621) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None.  
 
 
 
  
 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None, except that for commission 
agent's services of goods under the sub-
sector 62117, licensing is done only in 
cooperation with an Albanian 
professional whether this professional is 
a partner or an employee in the foreign 
company. 
4) None.   
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 17Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
B. Wholesale trade servi ces (622)   1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.   
 
  
 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None except that for wholesale of goods under the sub-sectors 62251 & 
62252 licensing is done only in co-
operation with an Albanian professional whether this professional is a partner or 
an employee in the foreign company.  
4) None.   
 
C. Retailing services (631+632+633+611+ 612), including audio and video records and 
tapes and optical disks (63234) 1) None except for retailing of goods under the 
sub-sector 63211. 
2) None. 3) None.  
 
  
 
 4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitments  1) None except for retailing of goods 
under the sub-sector 63211. 
2) None. 3) None, except that for retailing of 
goods under the sub-sector 63211, 
licensing is done only in co-operation with an Albanian professional whether 
this professional is a partner or an 
employee in the foreign company.  4) None.   
 
D. Franchising (8929) 1) None. 
2) None.  3) None.  
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitments 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None. 
  
  
 
5. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES  (92)  
A. Primary educational services (921)  1) Unbound 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
 
   
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 18 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
B. Secondary educational services (922) 
General secondary education service (9221) 1) Unbound 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
Higher secondary educational services (9222) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
  
 
C. Higher educational services (923)  
 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
D. Adult educational services (924)   1) None. 
2) None.  3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
6. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES  
A.  Sewage services (9401) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.   
 
B. Refuse disposal services (9402) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None. 
  
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 19Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
C. Sanitation and similar services (9403) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as provided in the horizontal 
section.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
Cleaning services of exhaust gases (9404) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as provided in the horizontal 
section.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
 
Noise abatement services (9405) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the horizontal 
section.  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.   
 
7. FINANCIAL SERVICES  
(a) Life insurance services (8121) (b) Non-life insurance services (8129) ( not including marine, aviation and transport 
services 81293 ) 1) Unbound except that starting on 1 January, 
2005, None for insurance of non-residents in Albania and for foreign investments. 
 
2) None as of 1 January 2003. 1) Unbound except that starting on 1 
January, 2005, None for insurance of non-residents in Albania and for foreign 
investments. 
2) None as of 1 January 2003.   
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 20 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
 3)  None except that for joint-ventures established 
or authorized to operate or supply services as of 
the date of accession, until January 1, 2000, foreign participation may not exceed 40% equity 
share or voting rights. From  January 1, 2000, 
foreign participation in joint-ventures may not exceed 70%. From January 1, 2005,  no 
restrictions on foreign participation in joint-
ventures.  
 
  
 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal Commitments. 3) None except that for commercial 
presence established or authorized to 
operate or supply services as of the date of the accession, until January 1, 2002, 
commercial presence restricted to those 
companies that have exercised insurance activities in home country for 
at least 10 years. After January 1, 2002, 
commercial presence restricted to those companies that have exercised 
insurance activities in home country for 
at least 5 years. For all forms of commercial presence the general 
representative of the companies must 
reside in Albania. 4) None.    
 
Marine aviation and transport services (81293) Reinsurance and retrocession (81299) 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) )  None except that for joint-ventures established or authorized to operate or supply 
services as of the date of accession, until January 
1, 2000, foreign participation may not exceed 40% equity share or voting rights. From  January 1, 
2000, foreign participation in joint-ventures may 
not exceed 70%. From January 1, 2005,  no restrictions on foreign participation in joint-
ventures. 
  
 
 
 
 4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2)  None. 
3) None except that for commercial presence established or authorized to 
operate or supply services as of the date 
of the accession, until January 1, 2002, 
commercial presence restricted to those 
companies that have exercised 
insurance activities in home country for at least 10 years. After January 1, 2002, 
commercial presence restricted to those 
companies that have exercised insurance activities in home country for 
at least 5 years. For all forms of 
commercial presence the general 
representative of the companies must 
reside in Albania. 4) None.    
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 21Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(d) Insurance intermediation, such as 
brokerage and agency (8140) 
Services auxiliary to Insurance, including consultancy, actuarial, risk assessment claim 
settlement (8140) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
  
 
B. Banking and other financial services 
Banking and other financial services   
 According to the current law on "Investment 
Funds", the underlying funds need to have 50% of 
their capital owned by Albanian legal or natural persons in order to get a license.   This restriction is not included 
in the provisions of the draft 
law on "Investment funds" This draft is expected to be 
approved by the Parliament 
within 1999.  
(a)Acceptance of deposits and other repayable funds from the public (81115-81119) 
 
 1) Unbound 
2) None except for capital controls as specified in 
the Horizontal Commitments, which will be 
removed as of 2010. 3) None. 
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
 
 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
(b) Lending of all types, including consumer credit, mortgage credit factoring and financing 
of commercial tr ansaction (8113) 1) Unbound 
2) None except for capital controls as specified in 
the Horizontal Commitments, which will be 
removed as of 2010. 3) None.  
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None. 
 
 3) None. 
4) None.    
 
(c) Financial leasing (8112) 1) Unbound 
2) None except for capital controls as specified in 
the Horizontal Commitments, which will be 
removed as of 2010. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None.  
 
3) None. 
4) None.  
  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 22 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(d) All payment and money transmission 
services (81339) 
 1) Unbound 
2) None except for capital controls as specified in 
the Horizontal Commitments, which will be removed as of 2010. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
  
3) None. 
4) None.   
 
(e) Guarantees and commitments (81199) 1) Unbound 
2) None except for capital controls as specified in 
the Horizontal Commitments, which will be 
removed as of 2010. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
 
 
3) None. 
4) None.   
 
(f) Trading for own account or for account of customers whether on an exchange, in an over-
the-counter market or otherwise the following: 
  - money market instruments (checks, bills, 
certificates and depo sits, etc) (81339) 
 
- foreign exchange  
 
 
 1) Unbound 
2) None except for capital controls as specified in 
the Horizontal Commitments, which will be 
removed as of 2010. 
3) None. 4) Unbound except as indicat ed in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  
 
 
 1) None. 
2) None. 
 
 
3) None. 4) None. 
  
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 23Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
 - derivative products including, but not limited 
to futures and options 
 1) None.  
2) None.  
3) None.  4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
 Albania will afford market 
access in a national treatment 
bases to foreign financial suppliers upon occurrence of 
the earlier of either of the 
following events: the establishment of a prudential 
regulation with respect to the 
activities in question, or the actual appearance of such 
activities, with official 
authorization or acquiescence, in the domestic market.  
 - exchange rate and interest rate instruments, 
including such as swaps, forward rate 
arrangements, et(c) - transferable securities 
- other negotiable instruments and financial 
assets, including bullion 1) None.  
2) None.  
3) None.  4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 
  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None 
 Albania will afford market 
access in a national treatment 
bases to foreign financial suppliers upon occurrence of 
the earlier of either of the 
following events: the establishment of a prudential 
regulation with respect to the 
activities in question, or the actual appearance of such 
activities, with official 
authorization or acquiescence, in the domestic market.   
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 24 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(g) Participation in issues of all kinds of 
securities, including underwriting and 
placement as agent (whether publicly or privately) and provision of service related to 
such issues. 
(8132) 1) None.  
2) None.  
3) None.  4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
 Albania will afford market 
access in a national treatment 
bases to foreign financial suppliers upon occurrence of 
the earlier of either of the 
following events: the establishment of a prudential 
regulation with respect to the 
activities in question, or the actual appearance of such 
activities, with official 
authorization or acquiescence, in the domestic market.  
(h) Money broking (81339) 1) None.  
2) None.  
3) None.  4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
 Albania will afford market 
access in a national treatment 
bases to foreign financial suppliers upon occurrence of 
the earlier of either of the 
following events: the establishment of a prudential 
regulation with respect to the 
activities in question, or the actual appearance of such 
activities, with official 
authorization or acquiescence, in the domestic market.   
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 25Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(i) Asset management, such as cash or 
portfolio management, pension fund 
management, custodial and trust services. (81323+8119) 
 1) None.  
2) None.  
3) None.  4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
 Albania will afford market 
access in a national treatment 
bases to foreign financial suppliers upon occurrence of 
the earlier of either of the 
following events: the establishment of a prudential 
regulation with respect to the 
activities in question, or the actual appearance of such 
activities, with official 
authorization or acquiescence, in the domestic market.  
(j) Settlement and clearing services of financial 
assets, including securities, derivative 
products, and other negotiable instruments. (81339) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) Settlements and clearing services for the time being are offered by the BOA only.  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None.  
4) None. 
 The Bank of Albania will offer 
the service of clearing for a 
period of 5 years from the day of accession and after that other 
entities will offer such service. 
The Bank of Albania will retain the monopoly over inter-
banking payments system and 
RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) 
(k) Advisory and other auxiliary financial 
services and all activities listed in article B of 
MFN. TNC/W/50, including credit reference and analysis, investment and portfolio research 
and advice on acquisitions and on corporate 
restructuring and strategy. (8131 or 8133) 1) None.  
2) None.   
3) None.  4)  Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
  
(l) Provision and transfer of financial 
information, and financial data processing  
related software by providers of other financial 
services.  (8131) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 26 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
8. HEALTH-RELATED AND SOCIAL SERVICES  (other than those listed under 1.A.h-(j)) 
A. Hospital services (9311) 
 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 
  
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None, except that licensing is done in 
cooperation with an Albanian professional. 
4) Unbound  
 
B. Other human health services (9319, other than 93191) 
 
  
 1) None. 
2) None  
3) None. 
  
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None, except that licensing is done in 
cooperation with an Albanian professional. 
4) Unbound  
 
9. TOURISM AND TRAVEL-RELATED SERVICES  
A. Hotels and restaurants  services (641, 642, 643)  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitment. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None. 
  
 
B. Travel agencies and tour  operators services ( 7471) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal Commitment. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
C. Tourist guide services  (7472)  1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitment. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None.  
  
 
 
  
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 27Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
10. RECREATIONAL, CULTUR AL AND SPORTING SERVICES  
A.  Entertainment Services 
Cinema theatre ownership and  operation 
services  (96199**)  
1) Unbound 
2) None. 
3) None.   
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitment.  
1) Unbound 
2) None. 
3) None, except unbound for access to subsidies. 
4) None.  
 
B. News agency services (962) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal Commitment. 1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
C.  Library services (96311) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 4) None.  
 
C.  Archive service (96312) 1) Unbound 
2) Unbound 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as provided in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  1) None. 
2) None.  
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
D. Sporting and other recreational services 
(964) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 28 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
11. TRANSPORT SERVICES 
A. Maritime Transport Services  
International Transport 
(a)  Passenger and  (7211) freight 
transportation (7211 & 7212)  
less cabotage transport    The following services at the 
port are made available to 
international maritime transport 
suppliers on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and 
conditions: 
1. Pilotage  2. Towing and tug assistance 
3. Provisioning, fueling and 
watering 4. Garbage collecting and 
ballast waste disposal  
5. Port Captain's Services 6. Navigation aids 
7. Shore-based operational 
services essential to ship operations including 
communications, water and 
electrical suppliers  
8. Emergency repair facilities 
9. Anchorage, berth and berthing services 
(c) Rental of vessels with crew (7213) (d) Maintenance and repair of vessels (8868*) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 29Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(f) Supporting services for maritime transport 
(745**)  
  Supporting services are 
performed by the State Port 
Authority.  These services are included in the law on 
privatization of strategic 
enterprises and is expected their liberalization.  In the 
meantime, privatization of 
different services has started, e.g., shipping agency, pilot 
services, garbage services, 
forwarding services, etc. 
C. Air transport service 
(d)  Maintenance and repair of aircraft  (8868*) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
  
 
F. Road transport service 
(a) Passenger transportation    (i) international passenger transport (7121 + 
7122) less cabotage transport 
  
1) Unbound 
2) None. 
3) None.  4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  
1) Unbound 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
  
  
 
 (ii) domestic passenger transport, less 
cabotage transport (7121+7122)  
1) Unbound
*  
2) Unbound* 
3) None.  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 
*   
1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
                                                      
* This mode of delivery is not feasible.  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 30 
Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
(b) Freight transportation (7123) 
(i) International freight transportation  
1) Unbound 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.  
1) Unbound 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None. 
  
 
(ii) domestic freight transport, less cabotage 
transport 1) Unbound* 
2) Unbound*. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments.. 1) Unbound*. 
2) Unbound*. 
3) None. 
4) None.  
 
(c) Rental of commercial vehicles with operators (7124) 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None.  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None. 
  
 
(d) Maintenance and repair of road transport equipment (6112+8867) 1) None, except where there exists a technical 
unfeasibility. 2) None. 
3) None.  
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None. 
  
 
(e)  Supporting service for road transportation 
services (744) 
 1) None, except where there exists a technical 
unfeasibility. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 4) None. 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                      
* This mode of delivery is not feasible  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 31Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply     2) Consumption abroad    3) Commercial presence      4) Presence of natural persons  
Sector or sub-sector Limitations on Market Access Li mitations on National Treatment Additional Commitments 
H.  Services auxiliary to all modes of transport  
(a)  Cargo handling services (741) 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 
3) None. 
4) None.   
(b) Storage and warehousing services (742) 1) Unbound* 
2) None.  
3) None. ** 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) Unbound* 
2) None.  
3) None ** 
4) None.  
 
(c) Freight transport agency services  (748) 
 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
(d) Other auxiliary transport services such as 
freight inspection (749**)  1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) Unbound, except as indicated in the Horizontal 
Commitments. 1) None. 
2) None. 3) None. 
4) None.  
 
                                                      
* A commitment of this mode of delivery is not feasible 
** Public utility concessions or licensing procedures may apply  in case of occupation of the public domain  
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 32 
ALBANIA  - LIST OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS  
 
 
Sector or sub-sector Description of measure indicating its 
inconsistency with Article II Country to which the measure 
applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need for 
exemption 
Road transport; passengers and freight Provisions in existing or future bilateral or 
plurilateral agreements on international road transport (including combined 
transport - road /rail) reserving or limiting 
the provision of a transport service into, in, 
across and out of the Republic of Albania 
to the contracting parties to vehicles registered in each contracting party. All countries with which Albania 
has bilateral or plurilateral agreement on road  transport in 
force, mentioned below: 
Greece, Italy,  FYROM, Turkey, 
Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, 
Germany, Russia, Switzerland, France, Denmark, United 
Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, 
Bulgaria and Hungary. Indefinite The need for exemption is linked to 
the region characteristics of road transport services. 
Sale and marketing of air transport services and computer reservation 
systems (CRS) Preferential market access resulting from 
bilateral air transport agreements All countries with which Albania 
has bilateral agreement on air transport: 
Hungary, China,  Greece, Turkey, 
Romania, Switzerland , Pakistan, Bulgaria, German y, Slovenia, 
Italy, Austria, FYROM, Russia, 
United Kingdom, Croatia, Egypt, 
Yugoslavia, Netherlands Indefinite Reciprocal provisions concerning 
supply of air transport services as a result of bilateral air transport 
agreements. 
Audiovisual Services - Production and distribution 
of audiovisual works through broadcasting of 
other forms of transmission 
to the public Measures which define works of European 
origin, in such a way as to extend national 
treatment to audiovisual works which meet certain linguistic and origin criteria 
regarding access to broadcasting or similar 
forms of transmission. Parties to the Council of Europe 
Convention on Transfrontier 
Television or other European Countries with whom an 
agreement may be concluded.  Indefinite. 
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic integration agreement 
is concluded or completed.  The measures aim, within the 
sector, to promote cultural values 
both with and within EC Member States, and with other countries in 
Europe, as well achieving linguistic 
policy objectives.  
Audiovisual Services - Production and distribution 
of television programmes 
and cinematographic works Measures based upon government - to 
government framework agreements, on co-
production of audiovisual works which 
confer national treatment to audiovisual works covered by these agreements, in 
particular in relation to distribution and 
access to funding. Members of Council of Europe 
and signatories of the Cultural 
Convention of the Council of 
Europe. Indefinite 
 The aim of such agreement is to 
promote cultural links between 
countries concerned.  
  WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6
 Page 33Sector or sub-sector Description of measure indicating its 
inconsistency with Article II Country to which the measure 
applies Intended duration Conditions creating the need for 
exemption 
Audiovisual Services 
- Production and distribution 
of television programmes and cinematographic works Measures granting the benefit of any 
support programmes (such as Action Plan 
for Advanced Television Services, MEDIA or EUROIMAGES) to audiovisual works, 
and suppliers of such works, meeting 
certain European origin criteria. European Countries  Indefinite 
Exemption needed, for certain 
countries, only until an economic integration agreement 
is concluded or completed. These programmes aim at 
preserving and promoting the 
regional identity of countries within Europe which have long-standing 
cultural links. 
 
 WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
Page 34  
 
 ATTACHMENT TO THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA DRAFT  
FINAL LIST ON BASIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES 
 
REFERENCE PAPER
 
 
Scope  
  The following are definitions and principl es on the regulatory framework for the basic 
telecommunications services.    
Definitions
 
  Users
 mean service consumers and service suppliers.   
  Essential facilities
 mean facilities of a public telecommunications transport network or service 
that 
 
(a) are exclusively or predominantly provided by a single or limited number of suppliers;  
and 
 
(b) cannot feasibly be economically or tec hnically substituted in order to provide a 
service. 
  A major supplier
 is a supplier which has the ability to materially affect the terms of 
participation (having regard to price and supply) in  the relevant market for basic telecommunications 
services as a result of: 
 
 (a) control over essential facilities;  or   (b) use of its position in the market.   
1. Competitive safeguards
 
 1.1 Prevention of anti-competitive practices in telecommunications
 
  Appropriate measures shall be maintained for the purpose of preventing suppliers who, alone 
or together, are a major supplier from engaging  in or continuing anti-competitive practices. 
 1.2 Safeguards
 
  The anti-competitive practices referred to above shall include in particular:  
(a) engaging in anti-competitive cross-subsidization;   
  (b) using information obtained from comp etitors with anti-competitive results;  and 
 
(c) not making available to other services suppliers on a timely basis technical  
information about essential facilities and co mmercially relevant information which 
are necessary for them to provide services.   WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
 Page 35 
 
 
 2. Interconnection  
 2.1 This section applies to linking with supplie rs providing public telecommunications transport 
networks or services in order to allow the users of  one supplier to communicate with users of another 
supplier and  to access services provided by another supplier, where specific commitments are 
undertaken. 
 2.2 Interconnection to be ensured
 
  Interconnection with a major supplier will be en sured at any technically feasible point in the 
network.  Such interconnection is provided. 
 
(a) under non-discriminatory terms, conditi ons (including technical standards and 
specifications) and rates and of a quality no less favourable than that provided for its 
own like services or for like services of non-affiliated service suppliers or for its 
subsidiaries or other affiliates; 
 
(b) in a timely fashion, on terms, conditions (including technical standards and 
specifications) and cost-oriented rates that ar e transparent, reasonable, having regard 
to economic feasibility, and sufficiently unbundl ed so that the supplier need not pay 
for network components or facilities that it does not require for the service to be 
provided;  and 
 
(c) upon request, at points in addition to the network termination points offered to the 
majority of users, subject to charges that reflect the cost of construction of necessary additional facilities. 
 
2.3 Public availability of the pro cedures for interconnection negotiations
 
  The procedures applicable for interconnecti on to a major supplier will be made publicly 
available.  
2.4 Transparency of interconnection arrangements
 
  It is ensured that a major supplier will make  publicly available either its interconnection 
agreements or a reference interconnection offer.  
2.5 Interconnection:  dispute settlement
 
  A service supplier requesting interconnection with  a major supplier will have recourse, either: 
 
(a) at any time or  
(b) after a reasonable period of time which has been made publicly known to an independent 
domestic body, which may be a regulatory body as referred to in paragraph 5 below, to 
resolve disputes regarding appropriate term s, conditions and rates for interconnection 
within a reasonable period of time, to the extent that these have not been established 
previously. 
 
3. Universal service
 
  Any Member has the right to define the ki nd of universal service obligation it wishes to 
maintain.  Such obligations will not be regarded as anti-competitive per se , provided they are WT/ACC/SPEC/ALB/5/Rev.6 
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 administered in a transparent, non-discriminator y and competitively neutral manner and are not more 
burdensome than necessary for the kind of universal service defined by the Member.       4. Public availability of licensing criteria
 
 
 Where a licence is required, the following will be made publicly available: 
 
(a) all the licensing criteria and the period of  time normally required to reach a decision 
concerning an application for a licence  and 
 
(b) the terms and conditions of  individual licences. 
  The reasons for the denial of a licence will be  made known to the applicant upon request. 
 5. Independent regulators
 
 
 The regulatory body is separate from, and not accountable to, any supplier of basic telecommunications services. The decisions of and the procedures used by regulators shall be impartial with respect to all market participants.  6. Allocation and use of scarce resources
 
 
 Any procedures for the allocation and use of scarce resources, including frequencies, numbers 
and rights of way, will be carried out in an obj ective, timely, transparent and non-discriminatory 
manner. The current state of allocated frequency ba nds will be made publicly available, but detailed 
identification of frequencies allocated for specific government uses is not required. 
 
 
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