Page 14 - Annual Report 2023

14 BANKA KOMBËTARE TREGTARE

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

I am pleased to see the ability of the Albanian economy to cope with external and internal
shocks. The 2019 earthquake, the 2020-2021 pandemic and the aftermath of Russia’s attacks on
Ukraine on global food and energy markets highlighted the resilience of enterprises, government
institutions and banking systems to move forward, despite the difficulties. The country’s Gross
Domestic Product in 2023 grew by 3.44%, at rates higher than the initial expectations of
international institutions, after the extraordinary boost it received from tourism. In recent years,
Albania has entered the global map as a real tourist destination, welcoming millions of tourists
from all over the world.

As always, the banking system has been at the vanguard of economic developments, marking
an increase in the indicators of assets, deposits, lending, improvement of profitability ratios and
reduction of problem loans. The influx of tourists has boosted local businesses and increased
pressure to use banking and financial services.

I am proud that BKT continued to maintain the leading position in the banking system in 2023
in terms of assets, deposits, card payments, branch network and investments in government
securities. Performance has been impressive in all indicators, such as loans, deposits, profits,
return on assets and capital, reinforcing the bank’s position as the largest in the country.

Even in 2023, BKT has prioritized the continuous improvement of relations with customers
through the addition of products and services offered to them in line with the latest technological
developments. The professional growth of the staff has further served the bank’s goal to offer
quality and advanced products to customers, while maintaining the Bank’s profitability indicators.

2023 was quite an important year in the bank’s transformational journey towards digitization.
The bank recorded a significant increase of 60% in the customer base that uses digital services,
both in the retail and business segments. This achievement is particularly important for Albania,
which is still a market where digital banking has not found widespread use. Euromoney has rated
BKT as the digital leader in Albania.

The bank’s positive and steadily growing performance year after year is an indicator of the high
responsibility of all links, starting from the active engagement of shareholders and stakeholders,
who are always available to understand concerns, perspectives and Bank expectations. The
Board of Directors best fulfills its role for decision-making and supervision of the bank, in
implementation of the best practices of corporate governance and management and promotion
of human resources. No less important are our management and employees, whose dedication
is the main factor that guarantees the Bank’s long-term success.

Therefore, we are optimistic that 2024 will be another even more successful year. We are confident
that the dedication of our team members, shareholders and customers will accompany us on
our journey.

Thank you for the trust you have given us!

Mehmet Usta
Chairman