Pay attention This slogan, as if to make the voice of this article heard farther, is reinforced by its increased relevance. In conditions where the daily need to increase exports is becoming a necessity for our economy, the raising of the entire export effort to the level demanded by the times takes on special importance, viewing it as a complex process that begins with discovering and getting to know foreign markets up close, with securing the products they require, and ends with transporting them on time and in high quality to the consumer. In this work of great importance for our economy, conditioned by the tradition and experience acquired, the successes and shortcomings are closely linked to the state and level of our economy itself. But they are also influenced by other factors, subjective or objective, on which more and better work can and must be done. This is also demonstrated by foreign specialists, foreign traders, or representatives of firms with whom we spoke, through facts and concrete examples. They say that quite often, for a not insignificant quantity of goods, there are delays in delivery, mismatches between quality and samples, lack of documentation, unsuitable packaging, and transport obstacles. These shortcomings, in addition to the direct economic damage, also bring losses of prestige for our products. In many cases, delays in supplying raw materials and spare parts, interruptions in the production process, as well as the lack of full technical inspection, cause orders not to be fulfilled according to contracts. Nor are there rare cases where, for lack of organization, goods remain in warehouses, are delayed at stations or in ports, and increase costs. Improving this situation requires more persistent work by production enterprises, foreign trade bodies, transport and technical control organs. Efforts must be made to strictly enforce technological discipline, strengthen the responsibility of each link, and create a more sensitive attitude toward the demands of the foreign buyer. Only in this way will our exports not only preserve the markets won, but also expand their presence in others.

With exact calculations In recent years investments have had a noticeable trend. The demands for housing and productive facilities have increased, but with them the responsibility to manage funds more carefully has also grown. In this regard, accurate calculations for materials, labor, and completion deadlines take the central place. Whenever estimates have been made in haste, without being based on real standards and indicators, the result has been unfavorable: higher expenses, longer deadlines, and weaker quality of the works. For precisely this reason, every construction enterprise, every construction-material production unit, and every design link is required to work with greater responsibility, relying on accurate calculations. This will help not only reduce costs, but also use more rationally the scarce materials we have. In many cases shortages and losses do not come only from objective difficulties, but also from waste, poor storage, irregular transport, and weak organization of work on site. To build quickly, well, and cheaply, technical discipline, strict control of expenses, and rational use of every reserve are needed.

OBSERVATION The issue of work incentives remains one of the matters requiring constant attention. When rewards are given without being based on concrete results, when the criteria are not clear and the control is weak, then the permit or reward itself loses its motivating value. In a number of cases, excesses, unjustified equalizations, and unsupported decisions have been observed, which have created dissatisfaction and lowered the demand for quality work. To change this situation, assessment must be closely linked to the norm, to quality, and to responsibility. Any practice that devalues the permit or the reward harms not only discipline at work, but also the authority of the enterprise itself.

Where there is production, there are also demands for regular supplies of raw materials, spare parts and auxiliary materials. Otherwise, the pace of work falls and unnecessary difficulties arise. These concerns are precisely what is pointed out in this article from Durrës, where the supply problem appears as a weak link in the progress of several enterprises. Shortcomings in planning, delayed orders, poor coordination between enterprises and insecure transport have worsened the consequences. In many cases, departments are forced to stop work or work below the planned pace because of the lack of a spare part, an auxiliary material, or an essential raw material. This brings not only loss of time and production, but also increased costs. The solution requires better coordination of supply links, greater responsibility from managers, and closer follow-up of supply contracts and deadlines.

The mastery of rare artistic drawing, the bringing out of ancient motifs with extraordinary light, and the careful working of wood have long made Sall Vidanin[?] well known. The new exhibition hall in the Kukës Castle now bears the name of the Hero of Socialist Labour, Sali Vida. In this environment a series of artistic works are displayed, where popular tradition is interwoven with new expressive searches. Visitors become acquainted not only with the decorative motifs, but also with the craftsmanship of the workmanship. (According to ATSH)

The collective of the textile-sewing enterprise has managed to carefully implement the requirements for increasing production and, at the same time, improving quality. In its departments, work is under way for better use of capacities and for strengthening technological discipline. Special importance is also being given to expanding the assortment and increasing production for the foreign market. Photo: N. Xhuxha

In order to provide meaningful help to the process of educating the younger generation in the spirit of work, workers’ collectives are giving greater importance to bringing young people closer to production and to the responsibilities of the working class. Meetings, discussions, and other forms of educational work are being held in workplaces and schools. (According to ATSH)

From the work for the protection and leadership of cultural environments. Within the framework of Mediterranean Environment Week, various activities were organized with the participation of specialists and activists. Discussion focused on protecting the coastline, reducing pollution, and improving greenery in cities. The activities aimed to raise public awareness of environmental issues. (Continued on p. 2)

A brief notice about a new working method in the laboratory, which shortens the time of inspection and increases the accuracy of the results. According to specialists, this helps improve technical control and reduce losses in production. (Continued on p. 2)