Italy is Albania's first foreign trade partner with a clear advantage over Greece which keeps its second place.

An analysis of data published by the Statistics Institute highlights that Albanian exports to Italy in March 2010 amounted to 52 million euros compared to 6.6 million euros to Greece.

Whereas imports from Italy amount to about 73 million euros over goods for 41 million purchased by its southern neighbour.

This same data states that Albanian exports to Italy represent 48.3 per cent of overall goods sold abroad, and 70 per cent of exports to EU countries.

Whereas 'Made in Italy' goods entering the Albanian market last March represent 26 per cent of total world imports, and 40 per cent of EU imports.

During the first quarter, Albanians purchased goods in Italy for a value of 197 million euros and sold goods for 142 million euros.