Another product of the Albanian – Slovak cooperation is the preparation of some recommendations which would help the Government to fighting against corruption in Albania. These measures have been addressed by FIAA to the Albanian Government as measures to improve fighting corruption through a new approach towards online transparency and good governance.
A Booklet for Business Ethics in Albania
For the first time in Albania, FIAA has prepared and launched a Booklet for Business Ethics, which can be used and adapted by all Albanian businesses and serve as a good guide for the entire business community. This Manual will guide the business in their daily activity to respect and implement legal and institutional framework, fair competition and protection of consumer interests.
FIAA finalizes Project with Slovak Partners
The monitoring process of the Albanian Investment climate remains one of the main objectives of FIAA. In June 2016, FIAA and Business Alliance of Slovakia presented the final outcomes of Project, “Improving Business Environment in Albania” during a Conference with Members of FIAA, Slovak Team, Slovak Deputy Ambassador and other related partners. The project was financed by the Official Assistance of the Slovak Republic.
During the conference were presented the results of the quarterly Business Environment Index and the Assessment of the Law impact in Albania based on the monitoring of trend and developments of the Business Climate in Albania for January 2015 – April 2016 period.
Read MoreSimplified Tax procedures, a new chapter for the business climate
The Ministry of Finances has prepared a Draft Fiscal Package for 2017, which does not foresee changes in the tax level, but only an improvement and simplification of tax procedures in the country. The Package was launched during the Meeting of the National Economic Council in June 8th. The Package of Procedures Simplification is considered by the Ministry of Finance as a New Chapter for the business climate. FIAA has complemented the Ministry for this simplified package, aiming to raise business consent and strengthen taxpaying behavior though self-correction of the tax responsibility but also consider as a major challenge the implementation of these measures.
Read MoreHigh Level Policy Dialogue on Business Climate and Investment Attractiveness
Improving the business climate remains the goal of reforms for the government’s economic program. A High Level Policy Dialogue on Business Climate and Investment Attractiveness” was organized in May 24th in AIDA’s new premises. Discussions involved the Prime Minister, Minister of Economy, representatives of the IMF and World Bank, foreign investors in Albania and local business leaders. Prime Minister Rama and his Cabinet Members highlighted a number of reforms the government has undertaken as well as associated challenges, and assured foreign entrepreneurs of the Government’s support. He expressed commitment to the continuation of reforms and pledged the Albanian Government will remain a reliable partner in improving the country’s business climate.
Read More“Justice Reform, a key precondition for boosting and attracting foreign investments in Albania”
Justice Reform approval in Albania is considered by the foreign Investors as one the most crucial conditions which would ensure sustainability of their investments in the country.
In May 23rd, the Foreign Investors Association of Albania in cooperation with the Delegation of European Union organized a Conference focused on the importance and necessity of the Justice Reform approval in Albania. Through this Conference, the foreign investors and diplomats reminded the politics of the fact that the delay of approving such a crucial reform, brings serious consequences on the business environment’s confidence as well as in supporting and attracting new foreign investments. At his opening word, the Chairman of FIAA stressed the importance of the Justice Reform Approval as a key precondition for boosting and attracting foreign investments in Albania. He also said that every day, members of FIAA encounter unfair court decisions and it can’t go like this for long. The correct implementation of the law is fundamental for both existing inventors and the new ones, Mr. Pedrazzi declared.
Read MoreFIAA holds a Roundtable Discussion with the Minister of Justice, Mr. Manjani
In early May this year, foreign investors were part of a roundtable with the Minister of Justice. Main focus of the discussion was on different issues that businesses are facing with the System of Justice in Albania which is a crucial element on well functioning of the business environment in the country.
During the recent years the foreign Investors have stressed out several problems they face related to Courts and Rule of Law in Albania. For them, a credible justice system is the alpha of the investments sustainability and growth in a country. During his word, the Chairman of FIAA highlighted the importance of the communication with the Ministry of Justice as the main representing institution of justice. He further said, that based on the results of the survey that FIAA had conducted on Business Environment, it came out that issues related with Courts and Rule of Law were at the highest concern for businesses. And therefore, such a roundtable would give the opportunity to both business and Minister to address and discuss on the most concerning issues.
Read MoreGovernment of Albania introduced second stage of the fight against informality
joinformalitetit@financa.gov.al is the email address launched for an efficient and direct communication with the business, for reporting cases of violations, but also for asking questions, clarifications, issues, information etc.
At the beginning of April the Government of Albania introduced the continuity of the intensive operation against informality by entering the second stage, which is based on a new approach aimed at redefining the role of the tax administration through a new strategy lying on four pillars:
- Management, focusing on the risk platform
- Simplification of procedures and the fiscal package
- Service to taxpayers
- Communication / education of taxpayers
Mr. Jens REINKE – Resident Representative of IMF Resident Mission in Albania
“Judicial reform is a major turning point for Albania”
FIAA: What is your perception of the Albanian economy currently?
Mr. Reinke: We have been saying for some time that a modest recovery is on the way. We see growth rates rising slowly — perhaps a bit too slowly — but nonetheless the outlook is positive. We remain somewhat concerned about the still high level of non-performing loans in the banking sector and very slow credit growth.
If we look at the performance of the economy in a regional and global context, it’s doing quite well. Both the recovery in the Eurozone and the current performance and outlook for emerging markets globally are much worse than we were expecting at the beginning of Albania’s programme with the IMF. Nonetheless Albania is continuing to recover. It is a broad-based recovery affecting all the sectors.
FIAA Assembly Meeting 2016
On March 23rd, FIAA hold the annual Assembly Meeting of the Members and conducted election of three new Board Members and approval of some amended proposals to FIAA Bylaws.
In his opening speech the Vice President of FIAA, Mr. Dietlof Mare welcomed present FIAA members and made a short overview on the mission of FIAA and the performance of the organization during the last year which was notable through many taken actions in support of the members for a better investment climate in the Country.
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