I believe that the fifth set of measures supporting the economy and the citizens to cope with the COVID crisis effects will be operational by the end of February. We would like to close consultations with partners by the week-end, says Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi.

Bytyqi told TV24 that the set will include interest-free loans for businesses. Instead of financial support per employee, the companies will have at their disposal interest-free loans including a 12-month grace period and a three-year repayment period, including a 30-percent grant if they produce positive results.

“The fifth set is dominated by two concepts for wage support. The first is the one we have already incorporated in previous sets, whereas the other is the zero-interest loan for businesses that have seen a drop in revenues,” says Bytyqi.

According to him, the two models are on the table and the one that is considered to yield best results at this time will prevail.

Besides keeping jobs, the fifth set will also include support for citizens, exporting companies, domestic and foreign businesses, hospitality, media, transport, event organizers, tobacco growers, sport clubs etc.

“We do not expect the set to result in fresh indebtedness and rise in the public debt. When developing the 2021 Budget we planned additional EUR 50 million for the COVID-19 crisis management,” notes Bytyqi.

The Deputy PM hopes that the crisis will gradually subdue and give room to new development policies and measures.

“We will create another set if necessary. Citizens and businesses received EUR 360 million last year and I am sure we will reach EUR 1 billion by the end of the crisis, for the well-being of our citizens,” says Bytyqi.