Albania plans first eurobond in 2009 -Deputy FinMin

Albania plans to issue its first eurobond in the first half of next year, its Deputy Finance Minister said on Thursday.
"Our plan is to do the first (eurobond) in the first half of 2009," Sherefedin Shehu told Reuters on the sidelines of a World Health Organisation conference.
"We are not in high need of financing, because of a good fiscal performance, but we'll start preparations during the second half of this year to be ready for the eurobond, because it will happen one day."

The bond would be for between 130 million and 300 million euros ($204 million-470 million), depending on market demand and cost, he added.
"We do not need a big issue, but if the market wants, we might increase the amount, whatever works best for the market and the government."
Shehi saw Albanian inflation at 4 percent for the year just on the target of inflation of 3 plus-minus 1 percent, Shehi said.
"Since we expect this year will be the most difficult (for inflation), we are having problems all over the world, that makes us optimistic of being in this range (next year)," he added.
He said this year the government deficit would go up from last year and decrease next year, but offered no exact estimates.
The government is working to improve the country's infrastructure, Shehi said. "We are now focused on big and high-priority projects like roads and hydropower."