The second half of this year, as is known, is burdened with greater tasks. They are connected with the arrival of the harvest and with the serious, comprehensive preparation for the coming year. In this sense, these are days and months when effective work, leadership and implementation skills are required everywhere and from everyone, but especially from communists—from the organizations, the basic units, and their forums and apparatuses. A neglected pillar, a discrepancy between what is decided and what is implemented, should get anyone on their feet: secretary or rank-and-file communist, director or minister, Party worker at any level—not only to go where the problem arises, but also to contribute the utmost to its solution. The honored name of a communist is upheld through work and sweat, and always by giving more than others. Otherwise, what difference is there between someone who has a Party card and someone who does not? The more they devote themselves and connect with the masses and with the problems that require solutions, the further they move away from indifference and bureaucracy; the livelier and more responsive the Party’s words and work become, and the more deeply they take root in people’s hearts and minds. The militant communist does not doze off wherever they work—in a brigade, factory, plant or office—but neither do they let others doze off, hinder progress or fall behind; they do not let work slip through their hands. They speak up when someone beside them fails to fulfil their duties, demands poor-quality goods, or gives in to comfort and narrow interests. The Party’s basic organization must do likewise when even one communist fails to fulfil their duties, breaks down, falls apart or compromises themselves. The aim of current efforts is for the advanced workers to retain their position and rally others around them, while wherever there are deficiencies, every effort must be made to remedy them and reduce them as much as possible. The issue is this: what have we done, and what must we do, to advance our achievements further and strengthen the “foundations” of the unit for another year—a year with major tasks and political events, and special responsibility because it closes one five-year plan and opens a new one? Every collective in the region, and every communist, every basic Party organization, must work toward this objective. It is an undeniable fact that all achievements rest on the sweat and toil of the people, but also on the dedication, talent and tireless work of the communists. Understanding the need to be at the forefront and to be able to lead the masses means, first of all, understanding these solutions deeply oneself and knowing them inside out, along with the demands and aspirations of the masses. It means learning lessons from the past, from its strengths and weaknesses; knowing how to affirm and correct, to change what must be changed and defend what must be defended. To be at the forefront of the work means discovering what is distinctive about those who are advanced, working with discipline, knowledge and culture, and never neglecting anything in the process of democratizing every aspect of the country’s life. But the broad mass of workers cannot be led through grandiosity, by calling oneself a commander, or by pursuing privileges and the comfortable posts. On the contrary, one leads by setting a good example, always remaining modest, a humble pupil of the people, a knowledgeable person and genuine fighter for solving their difficulties, and a person of action in employing available labour, building homes and improving services to the people. When the Party emphasizes that the leading role of basic organizations and communists must be further strengthened, it has in mind the major tasks of the times, from which their responsibility can never be separated. In this regard, no communist should think that belonging to the Party exempts them from the strict demands of concrete militancy, sacrifice and civic responsibility, practical skill and dynamism. The teachings of Comrade Enver Hoxha and Comrade Ramiz Alia are a source of inspiration, a powerful weapon for always advancing along the road to socialism. These principles have been and will remain rallying calls for the usual pace of work, and all the more so in extraordinary circumstances such as the depth of the earthquake’s impact; routine, servility and careerism are all the more reprehensible. Today, more than ever, no communist should remain in the shadows, in empty declarations or in an empty office merely blowing their own trumpet. Each person’s maximum contribution can be seen only in work and action. There is no doubt that in the future too, the communists, as always, with their dedication and fervent patriotism, will work and create with determination and perseverance for the good of the people. They will be at the forefront of work, tasks and bold commitments.

At the forefront of this year’s work and of its carefully selected crops, the cooperative farmers of Sofratikë in the district of Gjirokastër are irrigating all those plants that most urgently need water, and for this purpose all reserves are being used to the maximum. (Photo: N. Xhufka)

- There can be no trade without production, without the development of the productive forces - In the conditions of intensive connections with the world, the active role of foreign trade is taking on new dimensions, previously unknown. Its tasks are becoming urgent. The pulse in this special branch of the social division of labour beats—and must beat—at a high rate, because an arrhythmia creates problems for the entire country. Our economy needs imports of goods and investments, technology and exchanges of experience with the world. The demands in this field are justified, because they are connected with the changes taking place in our economy; they are priorities that cannot wait. Every economic cell needs to receive and give, as we breathe, and to strive for a high level of vitality. This demand becomes stronger with the implementation of the new economic mechanism, which makes foreign trade more operational and entails a special obligation and responsibility that we must take upon ourselves. Nothing can be achieved with old, artisanal concepts, but with agile, businesslike work. The problem becomes more acute if we bear in mind the difficulties created for our economy by the particular conditions of this year. During the seven-month period, a significant deficit arose in exports, at a time when imports were about 20 percent greater than exports, and other foreign-currency resources were also used for this purpose. This is not normal, and we must overcome it as soon as possible. But how, and where will the necessary funds be secured? At this point, the links in the economy have a narrow “heart.” Trade stands face to face with producers, naturally not in the passive role of a mirror. As Comrade Ramiz Alia emphasized at the 6th Plenum of the Party’s CC, ... the shortcomings in this field concern foreign trade as well as the economy as a whole. We hold the millions for imports in our own hands. We must bear this well in mind whenever we sign an import order. Foreign trade has an active and indisputable role in this regard, in increasing and improving the high level of resource efficiency. At the same time, let us not forget: it is these same economic units and economic districts that must put it at the service of increasing the value and effectiveness of our exports. In exports, we must meet the increasingly rigorous demands of foreign markets for quality, packaging, labelling and commercial correspondence. This is a task that cannot wait. Every passing day makes the demands more pressing. We too have an even greater interest in this situation: to strengthen cooperation in various forms and attract investments that will also improve production technology and other areas of mutual interest. Quality is the basis of competition, as are developments in profitable markets and relations in the field of payments, among other things. Forms of cooperation with foreign countries today are extremely intensive and varied, so the winner is the one who knows the rules of business well. Without everyone’s work and without a business spirit, there can be no profitable exports. When it comes to analysing shortfalls, technological backwardness is blamed for many things. Who said we are against advanced technology? We all know that it means productivity, quality, profitability and competitiveness! But the issue must be posed correctly. The economy cannot move forward through amateurism. Modernization will be carried out as far as possible, but the “weapon” in this struggle is I SHANE KORBECI (Continued on page 2)

In construction, work must move faster As everywhere, the tasks in the construction sector are great, and the economy is awaiting projects and new construction. But what have been achieved so far, and at what pace is work proceeding? We discussed these and other developments with Comrade Leonard Nano, Secretary General of the Ministry of Construction. We are accustomed to seeing construction at the forefront of work. But this year’s results, compared with those of last year, leave much to be desired. The half-year ended with a deficit. July was supposed to mark a turning point and help us emerge from this situation, but what was expected was not achieved. The shortfall widened by a further 15 million lekë. It is said that work is under way to provide better material resources and specialists for the construction drive in the city of «Studimi», for the construction of residential apartments in Tirana, and to speed up the directors’ work so that they meet their targets ahead of schedule in the spring of this five-year plan. Experience tells us to wait until August 20 (?) In the conversation we had with Vladimir Lako, director of the industrial directorate, we learned that measures to improve the pace and ... are being taken. On this and other developments, we also spoke with Comrade Leonard Nano, Secretary General of the Ministry of Construction. The measures being taken to improve matters are varied and include, among other things, the material base. But let us not forget that, in many cases, poor work organization, lack of discipline and the absence of continuous oversight have also caused losses, often because of shortages of materials needed for rapid work. At a meeting, excuses were made. The point is not to make identical assessments of the difficulties. It is true that nothing can be built without cement, bricks, stone and iron. But let us not blame them for everything, as happens when excuses are made. The material base does not come by itself; it comes through work and movement. Why does the construction-and-assembly enterprise of the Metallurgical Combine, with its sites spread from Librazhd to Fier, achieve its July plan and seven-month tasks at 105 percent, while the bridge-construction enterprise in Tirana deepens its deficit? Why does the port-construction enterprise in Durrës, with workers and specialists spread from Vlora to Saranda, achieve good results, while the «21 Dhjetori» construction-and-assembly enterprise in Tirana is drawing on its six-month reserves? The construction enterprise in Bashkë has continually been at the forefront of work and continues to maintain this pace this year. Words of praise are also due to the construction enterprises in Durrës and Elbasan. But where does it get its material resources? It is easy to hide behind immediate difficulties; facing the work with militancy and responsibility is harder, but it is what is truly required. And this is required of everyone. The «Ramiz Varvarica» Mechanical Plant in the district of Dibër achieved industrial production for the seven-month period. In general, productivity and pace are evident, while the paid-funds target still needs attention. Efforts are being made to find outlets in foreign markets and in cast iron. The other enterprise, the Muhurr materials enterprise, is inadequately prepared, starting with its level of mechanization, which is not improving. NTAN-I has had no problems so far, while the motor-vehicle depot has failed to meet its targets for three months, mainly owing to a lack of supplies which, as they say at the depot, is entirely unjustified. In geology, the last month marked a slight turnaround, with several mineral discoveries replenishing reserves, although the planned drilling footage was not completed. The mines in the Bulqiza basin are also running only a very small deficit. The overall production volume ... while what is quite positive is that four types of minerals have been exported, and chromium exports in May amounted to around 18 million lekë more than in the same seven-month period last year. Thus, 30 of the 53 enterprises in all can be listed as having met or exceeded many indicators. With these achievements, they have taken a good step toward entering the next half-year period fully prepared. Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

After the autumn holidays, the students begin their studies in a new school year. But for this new school year to mark the first achievements in carrying out the tasks set by the 11th Plenum of the Party’s CC, schools, universities, libraries, commercial outlets, etc., must be prepared. Thus, a number of institutions and enterprises have many tasks to complete as September 1 approaches. This is why we visited the Ministry of Internal Trade to learn about the preparations being made for September 1. Experience tells us to wait until August 20 (?) In the conversation we had with Vladimir Lako, director of the industrial directorate, we learned that all measures to prepare successfully for the start of this school year have been taken. But what does this “all” mean? the reader may rightly ask. Well, measures have been taken and almost all the necessary school supplies have been secured for the pupils— (Continued on page 3)

Involved in the movement “As the cultural-artistic movement is today, so will the homeland be tomorrow,” the youth organizations and the district organization of Për-organizat have strengthened their educational and mobilizing work with members and have fulfilled their tasks in all the sectors where they work and are active. Emphasis is placed on educating youth members and acquainting them with the traditions of our people and their history. Members of the BR are actively involved in preparing histories of the work of young people and in documenting the history of performances and of the area. Marches and excursions have also been organized to historic places, such as Përrish, Pojskë and Black, where participants have experienced the beauty and value of this region. A wider range of cultural and artistic activities is being organized, drawing on the experience of youth organizations at the various-products enterprise, the knitwear factory, and the agricultural cooperatives of Linjit, Peshkebiqës, Bushenjisht, etc. Comparisons of achievements with targets have also been made at the food enterprise, the commercial enterprise for various goods, and the iron-nickel mine at Guri i Kuq. There, the experience of outstanding young people in exceeding the plan, working with higher productivity and ensuring production efficiency, has been shared. (According to ATSH)

- BERAT - Eight of the enterprises in the industrial system in the district of Berat fulfilled and exceeded their targets for the January–July period, producing about 11 million lekë worth of goods above plan. These included the oil-processing plant, the mechanical plant, the textile enterprise, the food enterprise, etc., as well as enterprises with major investments, the enterprise producing valuable articles, and the enterprise producing resin and handicraft materials in Berat. What is particularly distinctive about it? Certainly not only the fulfilment of 112 percent of the period’s targets and the production of about 1 million lekë more than required, but also the outlook, which, in the view of its workers, directors and specialists, was extremely optimistic. This is evident, first, in the fact that the workers of Ermi ... about 100 workers ... are paid according to the category of their jobs. Good work is being done to secure raw materials on time. Contracts are being concluded day by day, so that they are not left without raw materials. In the stone-crushing and processing workshop led by Kristaq Bano, fulfilment of more than 115 percent of the targets has not led to euphoria. On the contrary, in the many discussions among workers and managers, valuable ideas have emerged for opening new production lines that will not only ensure activity, but also create value. That is how work is done here. (Continued ...) (According to ATSH)

The «Ramiz Varvarica» Mechanical Plant in the district of Dibër achieved industrial production for the seven-month period. In general, productivity and pace are evident. The «Ramiz Varvarica» Mechanical Plant in the district of Dibër achieved industrial production for the seven-month period. In general, productivity and pace are evident, while the paid-funds target still needs attention. Efforts are being made to find outlets in foreign markets and in cast iron. The other enterprise, the Muhurr materials enterprise, is inadequately prepared, starting with its level of mechanization, which is not improving. NTAN-I has had no problems so far, while the motor-vehicle depot has failed to meet its targets for three months, mainly owing to a lack of supplies which, as they say at the depot, is entirely unjustified. In geology, the last month marked a slight turnaround, with several mineral discoveries replenishing reserves, although the planned drilling footage was not completed. The mines in the Bulqiza basin are also running only a very small deficit. The overall production volume ... while a very positive point is that four types of minerals have been exported, and chromium exports in May amounted to around 18 million lekë more than in the same seven-month period last year. Thus, 30 of the 53 enterprises in all can be listed as having met or exceeded many indicators. With these achievements, they have taken a good step toward entering the next half-year period fully prepared. FRANO ÇAKA Correspondent of «Zëri i popullit»

Continuing the column “From decisions to implementation,” this time we are focusing on export-related problems. How have the important tasks set by the 6th Plenum of the Party’s CC in this field—connected with strengthening the economy and the country’s independence—been and are being carried out? The materials we are publishing today on page two of the newspaper discuss this in greater detail. Of course, this major issue has been and will continue to be written about. The question is: what more and better can we do, how can we take up and implement the decisions, what needs to be improved and corrected, and what opportunities exist in every unit and sector, enterprise and district to increase exports and reduce imports? The editorial office invites cadres and specialists, frontline workers and innovators to write to us about these matters, wherever they study, experiment, implement and produce.