Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia

EVOLUTION OF GREEN FINANCE IN ALBANIA

Albana Gjoni, Emiljan Mustaqe, Eleana Lici, Silvana Nakuçi — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: Green finance is a concept that is only partially known in Albania. However, Albania is committed to supporting green agreements for a planet that respects the environment and sustainability. For this reason, this paper aims to analyze the level of knowledge and awareness of Albanian people regarding green finance, the financial products that are part of green finance, the activities developed to promote green finance, as well as the expected results regarding the commitment towards a sustainable green world. Methods: In order to study the latest developments, a questionnaire was built, which was distributed at institutions that are related to sustainability activities or are responsible for sustainability reporting and also where the financial institutions that produce financial products that promote green finance operate. Results: The results of the study show an increasing trend of activities in support of sustainable development, but still relatively little recognition of the problems related to the emission of greenhouse gasses and climate change. Reporting about sustainability activities is in the process of being included in financial reporting standards. Conclusions: In conclusion, green finance in Albania is in its first steps and needs general awareness and involvement of all actors to make possible a quick transition to a sustainable economy and living. Reporting about sustainability activities is still voluntary and not mandatory; standards about sustainability reporting are still in progress and, when finalized, will help to boost all individuals and enterprises toward performing and reporting sustainability activities.

THE EFFECTS OF THE EURO’S DECLINE ONTHE ALBANIANECONOMY

Gerta Gogo — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study aims to analyze in detail the sectors that have suffered from the euro’s fall and evaluate their situation in the Albanian economy. This article investigates the impact of the euro’s devaluation on the primary economic sectors, including imports and exports. Since the clothing sector was among the most impacted by this drop, particular attention has been paid to the export of leather and its products, as well as the textile and footwear sectors. Methods: The data used in the analysis were sourced from the primary institute that published the data. These institutions, which are in charge of collecting and releasing accurate and reliable economic data, include the Institute of Statistics and the Bank of Albania. Data analysis was done using descriptive analysis. This analytical technique was used to draw attention to the shifts and effects that the exchange rate transactions had over the time under study. As a result, now we have the chance to comprehend how and why these developments have affected the Albanian economy. Results: The results in this study allow us to see how changes in exchange rates have affected the main sectors of the economy. Since import, export, and tourism are the industries with the highest income in euros rather than the native currency, they have seen the largest impact. Conclusions: Despite the measures taken by the main institutions, these measures didn’t have the expected impact. What these businesses should do to protect themselves from the fall of the euro is to either make contracts in the national currency or use forward contracts for the sale and purchase of euros at the euro rate when the initial contract was concluded.

PIG LIVESTOCK PRICE FLUCTUATIONS COMPARED TO CHICKEN, TURKEY, AND CATTLE PRICES FROM 2006–2022 IN POLAND

Katarzyna Utnik-Banaś — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: To present the type and level of fluctuations of pig livestock prices against chicken, turkey, and cattle price fluctuations from 2006 to 2022. Methods: The data consisted of a monthly time series of pig, broiler chicken, turkey, and cattle livestock prices from the Integrated Agricultural Market Information System (ZSRIR). Price fluctuations were analyzed by a time series decomposition using the Census X11 method. Results: Nominal prices of pig livestock have increased by 82% over the last seventeen years (2006–2022), while real prices have remained at the same level. Pig prices in 2006 were similar to those of turkeys, 50% higher than chickens and 45% lower than cattle. In 2022, pig prices were 20% lower than turkeys and 42% lower than cattle, while they were only 16% higher than chickens. The cyclical fluctuations accounted for 44%, seasonal for 42%, and random for 14% of the total annual fluctuations of pig prices. Conclusions: Pig prices fluctuated similarly to chicken prices. These two types of livestock are distinguished by a high seasonality of prices. Also, irregular changes affect pig and chicken prices more than cattle or turkey prices. From the point of view of price risk, the nature of the fluctuations is important. Regular seasonal fluctuations or long-term trends allow them to be considered in the decision-making process. On the other hand, short-term random fluctuations and medium-term changes with a large deviation from the expected price level represent a risk.

THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF ASSESSING STAKEHOLDER AWARENESS OF FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY ACROSS THE FOOD VALUE CHAIN

Yue Wu, Katalin Takács-György — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study aims to assess the critical importance of stakeholder awareness of food safety and security across the food value chain. A lack of awareness can hinder the development of sustainable agriculture; therefore, this research explores why awareness of food safety and security is essential for different stakeholders in the food value chain. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using content analysis to investigate the level of awareness among various stakeholders, from farmers to consumers, regarding food safety and security. The review focused on identifying key factors that influence stakeholder engagement and awareness throughout the food value chain. Results: The analysis revealed that stakeholder awareness of food safety and security significantly enhances food safety measures, promotes sustainability, ensures regulatory compliance, and improves overall efficiency. It also reduces waste, strengthens consumer trust, builds brand loyalty, and addresses global food challenges. Additionally, the study found that the awareness of farmers at the early stages of the food value chain is as important as that of end-stage players, such as food service workers and consumers. Conclusions: Understanding the level of awareness of food safety and security among stakeholders is crucial for promoting sustainability, improving food safety, and ensuring regulatory adherence across the food value chain. Enhancing awareness, particularly at the farming stage, is vital for improving the overall effectiveness of food safety and security initiatives.