In the first quarter of 2013, Albania's exports maintained a positive growth trend, reaching a value of 53.2 billion leks (494 million U.S. dollars), a figure that represents a rise of 17.2 percent on a year-to-year basis.

Exports of minerals, fuels and electricity as well as leather and footwear boosted the rising trend.

Exports of minerals and electricity reached a value of 23.4 billion leks, representing a 47 percent increase, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

Heavy rains over the past months helped the Albanian Power Corporation to start export of electricity and improve its financial performance.

Steel and cement exports also grew with exports to Italy and Turkey respectively reaching a value of 2.6 billion and 607 million leks.

Exports of textile and footwear group increased by 4.2 percent, reaching a value of 16.5 billion leks, with exports to Italy accounting for 80 percent of the total.

Albania's overall trade increased with several countries including Germany, China, Turkey, etc.