On April 5, 2024, the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency and the Guardia di Finanza signed a memorandum of understanding in Tirana with the Albanian Customs Administration, renewing and intensifying the collaboration that began in 1998 when the two countries signed an administrative mutual assistance agreement to combat customs infringements and fraud. The original agreement already envisaged the establishment of an Italian-Albanian customs commission, but the new text strengthens its scope of action, extending cooperation in the prevention, investigation, and suppression of illegal activities that threaten international trade between the two countries.
The activities promoted by this renewed commitment will include the exchange of information and the development of joint programs to enhance the operational and technological capabilities of the Customs Administrations. The planned activities also aim to share best practices and facilitate trade exchanges. Customs officials and members of the Guardia di Finanza will work side by side in Italy and Albania to achieve these goals. The commission will be co-chaired by Roberto Alesse, Director of the ADM, Andrea De Gennaro, General Commander of the Guardia di Finanza, and Genthi Gazheli, Director of Albanian Customs.
