The Albanian Book�s Publishers Association asks for a major support by the state. In spite of the fact that a large number of publishers from Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro are expected to be present in the 20th edition of Book�s Fair that will open the gates next Wednesday in the Palace of Congresses welcoming the book-lovers their situation does not seem to be so positive.

The association�s chair, Petrit Ymeri underlines the absence of proper support for books publication and the numerous difficulties experienced by this sector.

�We have repeatedly addressed to the Ministry of Culture and the government asking for the Value Added Tax (VAT) on books decrease. VAT on books in Albania is 20% while in Europe this tax varies from 4% to 6 %. We may only express our concern, that�s all we can do,� said Ymeri.

He also said that the books printing in Albania has reached the lowest level ever registered.

�We are forced to publish books with only 200 copies instead of 500 copies as we used to do not long ago. This is a highly unpleasant situation for this sector,� stated Ymeri.