DEEP UNDERSTANDING AND DYNAMIC ACTION BY EVERYONE — Interview with comrade BESNIK BEKTESHI, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, given to Sadri Rrahmani, the newspaper’s economic affairs editor. — — Question: On 1 July, the new economic mechanism began to be tested in several enterprises in your system. What can you tell us about this, and how have they prepared for 1 January 1991? — The decisions of the recent Plenums of the Party’s CC and the instructions of comrade Ramiz Alia, the laws approved by the People’s Assembly and the Government’s decisions on the economy have been, and will continue to be, the focus of our work for understanding, propaganda and implementation. Our attention is now centred on putting the new economic mechanism into effect as a whole, and especially in the 13 enterprises that began implementing it on 1 July 1990. For this purpose, we have devoted attention to a thorough and correct understanding of the changes required in the way work is conceived and in the economic practices of enterprises, as the new economic mechanism is introduced. To this end, the ministry and the enterprise sector organised meetings, consultations and discussions to specify the tasks involved in moving to self-financing. The entire apparatus went out to the grassroots—not only to cadres, but also to workers and specialists. At the same time, we have worked to address certain shortages in the material and technical base, giving priority to the allocation of foreign-currency funds, transport, and so on. However, we have observed among some cadres and specialists a certain tendency to look for solutions from above, to exaggerate difficulties in material and technical supplies and other obstacles connected with expenses, financial relations between enterprises, and financial and banking bodies. We are trying to counter this tendency with the correct understanding that, in this unusual situation, problems cannot be solved through routine work. They require strict discipline and rigorous adherence to technological processes, all of which must lead to increased production. — Question: More specifically, what are the first results, and what problems have emerged? — It has been 25 days since the new economic mechanism began to be implemented in 13 enterprises. The start has generally been good; this can be said of the «M. Mame» combine in Tirana, the NRRSH in Fier, the Përrenjas mine, the salt enterprise in Vlorë, and so on. This is not to say that everything everywhere is going as we had anticipated. Problems have also emerged that require closer and more responsible attention, such as support with domestic and imported raw materials, especially for the Rubik plant and the Tirana chemical enterprise, among others. The truth is that without extensive self-supply and imports, work is sometimes obstructed even in enterprises whose raw materials are sourced domestically. The same must be said of the distribution of finished products and the transport of certain raw materials such as hermetics, phosphorites, pipes, etc. We are fighting against inertia and the tendency to make excuses, which can be seen among some enterprise cadres and sections of executive committees when it comes to overcoming obstacles and difficulties. They find it easier to pass the buck to the ministry than to take action themselves to resolve them. To be specific: transport depots in Laç, Mirditë, Burrel and Dibër, and copper ore that needs to be transported within these districts, are available. Or the depot and the phosphorites to be collected are in Tepelenë; the depot and furniture for the market are in Tirana; the hermetics and copper are in Përrenjas, and so on. Yet the managers of the enterprises concerned sometimes fail to coordinate their work. — Question: Do you think that the draft plan you are preparing constitutes the new economic «foundation» for 1991? Is it being regarded as such? — This is another important issue, which we are assessing seriously. We are drawing up the 1991 draft plan on the basis of new methodological and technical criteria. We are focusing on several areas, especially on defining the basis for enterprises to act on their own initiative, with expanded powers and responsibility, without diminishing the role and responsibility of the ministry’s directorates and apparatus. Certain incorrect concepts and practices at the grassroots were also criticised. They had appeared in the practice of planning with reserves for certain indicators, such as oil production at existing fields, gas production, blister copper, high-grade chrome, soda and coal, enterprises’ net income, cost targets, and so on. On this basis, some of the indicators proposed by the districts for 1991 did not reflect proper proportions between the rates of growth in production, accumulation and investment, as well as exports and imports. These pro— (Continued on page 2)

We are facing an unusual situation in livestock farming, or what agricultural specialists, managers and workers call a «small winter» for livestock. The weather conditions, with a prolonged dry spell and high temperatures, are worsening the state of livestock and reducing production. They also have a considerable impact on the supply and growth of forage crops, while making it difficult to sow and establish forage crops and to grow maize for fodder normally, and so on. Naturally, these difficulties cannot be overcome either with excuses or with routine work. We stress this because the situation is being made even worse by the negligence and delays observed in carrying out some of the day-to-day tasks. We cannot blame everything on the weather when agricultural enterprises alone produced 13,000 tons less silage than last year! Are managers and specialists going to make this same «claim» again next winter? We raise this question because this period coincides with the peak of work to prepare for winter in livestock farming. We must think and act before it is too late. Maize and forage cabbage are being planted now, dry hay is being gathered, and there is plenty of other work to do. But what is the situation in reality? Some work has been done in this area. But when we compare it with what is possible—even with the figures for a year ago—the backlog is plain to see. 22,000 hectares of forage cabbage and 110 hectares of stubble maize have been planted, and 82,000 tons less dry hay have been gathered than during the same period last year. These comparisons need no comment; they leave no room for explanation. Naturally, support from the relevant ministry should be greater and more widespread. In fact, specialists from the Ministry have gone out to the grassroots in working groups to tackle the difficulties together. But the main burden of the work falls first and foremost on the agricultural workers themselves, in the districts, in every agricultural enterprise and production unit. So what do the facts show? — What do they show? It is time to launch concrete campaigns, since after the wheat harvest there is now more manpower and equipment available. In reality, this is not happening. The pace of forage planting leaves much to be desired. Hay collection, too, has moved only from 14 to 16 percent per day. These rates do not reflect the level of effort now required. Districts such as Lezha, Lushnja, Vlora, Mati, Skrapar, etc., have not even begun planting cabbage. This situation should clearly concern the Party, government and economic bodies in these districts, especially since this year 326,000 head of cattle and 973,000 small livestock assigned to enterprises in agricultural cooperatives will also have to be wintered. This is national wealth that agricultural enterprises must not neglect, regardless of the fact that the villagers have a strong personal interest in solving this problem. It is understood that this will also help improve the market’s supplies through the surplus from cooperative members’ household plots. This problem must therefore be addressed, as is being done in the Shkodër district, where separate plots have been planted with second-crop forage specifically to feed household livestock. At present, a decline in milk production is being observed. In a number of districts this has been confirmed only for the beginning of July, although the same has been observed among several other farmers. This must be highlighted, because something is missing. It has caused economic losses, including in terms of costs. Nothing should be left unattended or dismissed with an unsupported explanation. Given this situation, livestock farming is declining. Cooperative enterprises must consider how to ensure adequate supplies and safeguard livestock. This depends on preparing the forage base in good time.

In the economic enterprises of Fier district, alongside efforts to increase production, yields and efficiency, special attention is being paid to fulfilling export obligations. Thus, during the period from January to 20 July, 22 percent more products than planned were supplied to the foreign market. Almost all the economic enterprises achieved their targets and completed the seven-month tasks ahead of schedule. All categories were fulfilled, with overfulfilment in some of them, including the oil enterprises, agriculture and even forestry. The workforce of the oil-processing plant in Fier is also responding better to the demands of the foreign market. (According to ATSH) The workforce of the metalworking enterprise in Gjirokastër is working with dedication to implement the new economic mechanism. IN THE PHOTO: Fiqirete Lengo at work producing a new type of chain. (Photo: G. Xhengo - ATSH)

The Levan agricultural enterprise in Fier district is distinguished by its consistency in meeting vegetable production targets. From January to 20 July, its production and delivery plan was fulfilled at 101 percent, helping to ensure a regular supply to the Levan market and the city of Fier. More than 33 varieties of vegetables are cultivated here. Thanks to careful work and the introduction of new technologies, it has been possible to reduce the cost of distributing vegetable produce during this period by 91 thousand lekë, while revenues have pro— (Continued on page 2)

— Reportage from Korçë — It is difficult to make out; Posra shudders all day and through the night, and at one moment he tells you that the combine is full; he stops, and Digja makes a note in a notebook. After that, he is off again, following the combine. It seemed that his whole being, his gaze and his thoughts were there, fixed on the trembling light of the headlamp, on the signal that the grain bunker was full. From time to time he turned his head towards the unharvested part, still standing. What calculations was he making? There in the field, by the bridge at Zëmblak, the director of the Plasë bread enterprise, Lazri Taqko, and chief agronomist Stavri Jano, who had been following the scene, laughed. — Well, Fatos Myftalla, you really went all out today! It was a good-natured laugh, one shared by everyone who cares about production. Fatos, after all, had always been known for his work in the large, fertile fields. It was an entirely ordinary moment. Now, when the grain is being harvested, even the fatigue and the jokes become pleasant surprises. The director of the NBI «Enver Hoxha» in Plasë is in no hurry to give us the figures. — Wait. Come tomorrow, or better still, the day after. The grain across the whole area will have been harvested, delivered and weighed. Then it will be easier to say which brigade leaders and workers did the most, from over there at Fatosi to the chief agronomist, Stavri. We’ve put him on the spot, haven’t we? We thought he wouldn’t answer for this grain? And at what a time! They say that Plasë, having reached record yields again this year, will not give up its place as the grain record-holder. That is what they keep telling us. The leader of Plasë pushed him on, and, as they say, the chief agronomist, quick on his feet, has been busy getting the harvest under way; it was a fine fortress;—they make no sound until the success is announced. Despite a few difficulties, he will give us some facts that show just how hard people have worked. This enterprise, a Hero of Socialist Labour, faces its own difficulties. Every day in Plasë, more than 100 hectares have been harvested so far, both wheat and maize. On other days, around 7,000 hectares a day (the text is unclear) to meet the requirements across the whole area (they calculate the yield). Nevertheless, here are some more or less complete figures: the sectors of Ermenjë, Beç, Terovë and Orman have yielded more than 70 quintals per hectare. Further, here are the brigade figures: the brigades of Berti Dobjes in Rëmbeç, Gjizim Licit in Orman, Dhori Çeci and Hamit Shalësit in Terovë, and Luan Frashëri in Zëmblak have obtained more than 75 quintals per hectare. After an entire decade marked by records that have compelled anyone across Al— (Continued on page 3)

900 available workers placed in jobs; 210 apartments allocated Action, seriousness and perseverance in turning words into deeds are what characterise the work of the working class, the Party organs and the other organisations of the city of Tirana. And «word into deed» has a concrete meaning: how many people were placed in jobs today, how many new work fronts were opened, how much production increased, what is the pace of construction, how many apartments were completed, and so on. Every evening, the work of the Tirana District Party Committee and the Executive Committee of the district People’s Council is analysed; the day’s work is assessed and new tasks are set. This evening we learned about these two initiatives. FIRST: From 1 July to 25 July, 900 available workers were put to work. Here are the figures by district: District No. 1—111 people; District No. 2—216 people; District No. 3—297 people; District No. 4—276 people. ... But what about these absences?! Alongside this positive picture on both these vital fronts, shortcomings are also evident. And the main point is this: there is determination and assurance that the task set in this area will be completed ahead of schedule. SECOND: By decision of the Executive Committee of the Tirana District People’s Council, 210 apartments will be allocated at tomorrow’s meeting. This is one of the largest allocations ever made on such an occasion, says Odise Teneqexhiu, head of the Housing Section. Of these, 112 apartments will go to the districts, 32 to the Tirana mines and 66 to transport cadres, thereby meeting the requests of cadres who arrived between 1983 and 1987. The allocation also includes those covered by the 1987 decision. Meanwhile, work continues at a rapid pace on the other homes, and apartments will likewise be allocated in stages. — But what about these absences?! Alongside this positive picture on both these vital fronts, the scale of absenteeism is also evident: the day before yesterday, 114 people were absent from work in District No. 1, 292 in District No. 2, and 119 in District No. 3. Such conduct is inexcusable. Where is the determination here? At the Vali Asit mine, 86 people were absent; at Mushqeta, 49; at the «Enver Hoxha» Auto-Tractor Combine, 41; at the passenger transport depot, 31; at the glass factory, 24, and so on. Society certainly has obligations to provide housing and employment, but everyone also has a duty to repay these through work and each person’s contribution to increasing production. This places responsibility on the basic organisations in these work collectives, their management bodies and trade-union organisations to strengthen persuasive work, and also to reinforce order and discipline for everyone. Only in this way can the decisions taken become reality. «Word into deed» is both a motto and a requirement for everyone. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

Keeping pace with the times means living intensely, understanding in depth the problems the times bring up for solution, and taking concrete action. This was also discussed in recent days at a meeting of the Kavajë District Party Committee, which focused closely on several accumulated problems that have not been fully resolved. It was said that successfully tackling them requires greater commitment in the spirit of the 11th Plenum of the Party’s CC, mobilisation and discipline, resourcefulness and initiative from everyone. The issue is solving the people’s problems. This requires concrete commitment and dedication. The main thing, it was stressed, is not to get distracted by other matters, but to concentrate on the issues that concern us most and seek to resolve them as effectively as possible at the local level, making use of every reserve. One of the problems troubling Kavajë is providing jobs for the available workforce. Life goes on, the population grows, and the process must be anticipated rather than neglected until it becomes difficult to resolve. It was stated plainly: we have acute problems, but we ourselves will solve them as soon as possible. They were studied in detail among workers’ collectives, in neighbourhoods, districts and the wider district, and the most favourable solutions were identified. By the end of the year, the electric oven for producing various kinds of bread rolls will be completed and the factory’s capacity increased; the shed at the building decorative-materials enterprise will be reconstructed to produce marble mosaics, while the production of terracotta vases for export is being studied; construction of the new carpentry facility will begin; the line for producing mechanical pulp at the paper factory will be completed; and work to build a factory producing chemical glass will be expanded. These tasks will be carried out by the enterprises’ specialists and innovators and by the region’s working class itself. They have taken on these tasks with great responsibility and commitment. The new work fronts, some of which have already begun, as well as the basic achievements in the new enterprises, testify to better organisation, resourcefulness and perseverance. This is not only a real opportunity for everyone who wants to work to find employment; it has also become a reality and a source of assistance throughout the year and for others. Dozens of job placements were made that very day, alongside the growth in the needs of this city. The current housing situation is another concrete objective. This issue, too, was treated with the utmost seriousness. In addition to those already built, 167 apartments will be completed by the end of the year. All the enterprises, according to the tasks assigned to them, agreed together to begin work in this area immediately and address the problem with the help of volunteers. Materials are also being provided, and so on. Kavajë has grown, and social and cultural facilities have been built, but the demands of the times are increasingly pressing in—

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