News

Official announcement by Vodafone Albania

Vodafone notes the press speculations that are circulating in the Albanian market regarding a potential exit of the company from the market.

Vodafone strongly denies these speculations.

Vodafone is the largest and most consistent foreign investor in the country. Vodafone recently acquired the largest Albanian Broadband company ABCOM, and is currently underway in executing a very significant 500 million Euro infrastructure investment plan which will materially change the quality of fixed and TV services to the benefit of all Albanians.

Vodafone emphasizes the commitment to the Albanian market as part of its core European Operations.

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Njoftim zyrtar nga Vodafone Albania

Vodafone u njoftua sot mbi disa spekulime që po qarkullojnë në tregun Shqiptar, mbi mundësinë e tërheqjes së kompanisë Vodafone nga Shqipëria.

Vodafone mohon kategorikisht këtë lajm.

Vodafone është një prej Investitorëve të huaj më të mëdhenj dhe të qëndrueshëm në vend. Se fundmi, kompania ka zgjeruar aktivitietin e saj me blerjen e operatorit fiks Abcom, dhe aktualisht po nis një plan Investimi në infrastrukturën e rrjetit me vlerë 500 milion Euro, investim ky që do ndryshojë rrënjësisht cilësinë e shërbimeve fikse dhe TV për klientët Shqiptar.

Vodafone konfirmon angazhimin e saj në tregun shqiptar si një prej tregjeve kyçe të Vodafone në Europë.

Marlotex shpk is a manufacturing company operating in Berat with more than 15 years in Albania, led by Mr. Gasmen Toska and Mrs. Teuta Qose. Under the new circumstances created by Covid-19 Pandemic, this company from the beginning of the lockdown has been adapted to the new reality by shifting its production to Masks and Gloves. Due to lack of local production for basic products such as textile masks, there was a high  demand also from outside Albania, which made Marlotex shift their  production to handle the high demand to providing these products, channelizing production to 8 companies in Albania and giving work to about 200 employees who have worked in mask ‘production units.

As part of their company’s social responsibility Program, they have been also continuously offering protective masks to their staff and their respective families.

Furthermore, over 50,000 qualitative and reusable masks have been donated for free so far and they continue donating to: the Municipality of Berat, the Police Forces in Berat, Prison, Pensioners and people in need in the city, as well as to the Municipalities of Korca, Elbasan and Tirana, and to Mother Theresa Hospital Center and Air Forces in the “Mother Theresa Airport”in Rinas.

The marketing strategy of Marlotex bases on diversifying products’ range. They operate in 5 different markets with 5 different goods, which are not related to each other. In principle this policy gives the company more resilience in times of crisis and more chances of resistance.

FIAA is very proud that its Member, Marlotex in Albania contributes to making a difference in these difficult times and becomes a model of generosity and acts with social responsibility.

Current approach of Business under Covid-19, short and long-term perspective

Dr. Constantin von ALVENSLEBEN

President of FIAA/ CEO OF Tirana International Airport (TIA)

Starting around 12^th of March, GoA stopped the regular passenger flight activity. First all flights from and to Italy were banned, then consecutively all other passenger flights except for the connection between Tirana and Istanbul. End of March, this service also stopped. Since then, TIA continues to service several cargo flights per day as well as humanitarian and repatriation flights. There are one or two repatriation flights daily, connecting TIA with European capitals. The provider is mostly Air Albania but sometimes also Albawings. A flight from an Albanian national to the EU requires confirmation from the respective Embassy of the destination country, and the destination country may require the passenger to undergo quarantine after arriving in the destination country.

While TIA had up to 64 turnarounds per day in the most busy periods, the airport is now reduced to two or three. Revenues since the second half of March are heavily impacted as a consequence, while the airport continues to bear high fixed costs. No dismissals have been made yet, but a short work scheme was introduced which guarantees to employees at least 50% of their salaries. Management has agreed to a salary reduction, and a Voluntary Donation Scheme was set up ensuring additional support to the employees with the lowest salaries.

Even in the absence of normal revenues since mid of March, TIA continues its capital expenditure program focusing on work on the airfield renewing and upgrading the taxiway infrastructure. Further investment in refurbishing the runway will depend on air traffic and revenues coming back in the second half of the year.

In the meantime, TIA is also preparing for the restart of air traffic under the still existing COVID-19 situation. Special measures will have to be adopted, such as the keeping of distance while queuing, plexiglass shields in front of counters, the taking of temperature etc. The full range of measures affecting airport and airline operators has not been finally agreed by GoA and the governments of the EU. In addition, the date of the restart of air traffic depends on political decisions of GoA and the EU countries.

TIA looks forward to see you all back at the airport as passengers as soon as possible!

Mr. Xingyun Sun talks over the business situation under COVID-19 pandemic

CEO of Bankers Petroleum Albania & Board Member of FIAA

 “We are hopeful that we will come stronger from this difficult period as we see that even the government is showing support for big investors, such as Bankers”!

The outbreak of Covid-19 virus which has been declared a pandemic by the `World Health Organization is an immense global crisis which has affected us all. The rapid spread of this virus has led to a deteriorating economic outlook, low oil prices and upheaval in financial markets worldwide.

The price of oil sunk to levels not seen since 2002 as demand for crude collapses amid the coronavirus pandemic. Brent crude fell up to $20 a barrel, the lowest level since November 2002. Oil prices fell by more than half during the past months as companies cut back or close production.

On the other side refineries decided to reduce production. The decision came as refineries around the world are processing less crude oil. As countries bring in tougher measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak, demand for transport has been hammered by grounded airlines and fewer cars on the roads. Therefore, the request for crude oil has declined affecting negatively Bankers, which depends on the market demand and the oil price as well.

During March, Bankers was informed by our main crude buyer of a Force Majeure event due to the enforcement by the Government of Spain of a state of Emergency throughout the country. These events put Bankers in a very difficult situation, in selling the product and more important storage it.

Bankers Petroleum Albania during all the months of April, March and ongoing is trying its best to mitigate the impact Covid-19 and maintain the production activities as at maximum as possible. We received additional storage at our export terminal in Vlore (PIA) and made use of all available inventories in the Patos-Marinza oilfield. But, even with these mitigation efforts, we were forced to first reduce production and then shut-in the oilfield.

Even in this situation we kept every employee at work and assured them that we will keep strong together even in this difficult period.

As the oil prices are improving (currently Brent price is around 31 USD/bbl), we are slowly getting the oilfield back to work. All this period, we have tried to find new buyers, which will allow us to reduce storages and restart production. We have begun to sell small quantities and we are working to add the sales and the production in the next weeks.

Our team of engineers, which I must say is very competent, is working hard to get back to work the oilfield at minimum costs. These months have been really difficult and it’s really painful to see such big and important oilfield to “get to sleep”… But, I can say that it has worked as a period of studying in deep this important asset, the way and technologies to exploit it better as in common working days it’s difficult to find time to analyze every detail.

As for the long-term perspective, I can say that if the oil prices will improve, this will allow the company to increase its production and the revenues, pay more taxes to the government of Albania.

We are hopeful that we will come stronger from this difficult period, as we see that even the government is showing support for big investors, such as Bankers, which represents over 90% of the overall oil production in Albania, paid over 54 Million USD in taxes only last year, and employees around 2000 people (530 direct/1470 indirect).

Mr. Elvin GURI

Investor at Telekom Albania & Board Member of FIAA

Our focus at Telekom Albania during the lock-down, has been servicing as best as we can our customers. As our stores were physically closed for a substantial amount of time, we focused on alternative channels of maintaining communication with our customers through internet, social media, telesales etc. This was a good time for us to show real commitment to our customers even in these unusual times.

While the whole industry extended more favorable terms and bigger data packages to the customers during the lockdown, we also had to take a closer look at ourselves. This crisis forced us to consider the fundamentals of both our current structure and the way we operate. Physical offices were transformed and adapted to new operating reality to meet our customers ‘demand more efficiently.

I believe that living in these challenging times, Organizations shall become more flexible in order to better face similar challenges in the future. Faster acceptance of digitalization, including virtual offices, internet and social media-based customer service etc, would differentiate the industry competitors. More investment in infrastructure network, software etc, combined with better service and better products, should serve to increase customer loyalty. Finally, size and focus shall be key to survival and success in business.

Mrs. Stela DHAMI, MBA, LEED® GA

Managing Partner of Colliers International

As all of FIAA’s member firms, Colliers was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ways of working have primarily changed, but the level of commitment to our clients increased as to respond best to their real estate commercial and advisory needs especially during difficult times.

The main impact in the real estate sector was the closure of all retail/shopping centers, which put a lot of financial burden and pressure to owners and tenants. Most tenants tried implementing force majeure clauses in their rental agreements. Few landlords responded positively, which put most of the pressure of the crisis directly on the tenants. Those tenants that implemented new multi-channel approaches to their customers by enabling online retail sales were able to gain some business, otherwise they were directly negatively impacted.

In the office sector, companies were less fortunate in receiving rental deductions as most office buildings were open for business albeit the increased safety and hygiene measures. However, even here international and local tenants tried receiving rental deductions which were offered on an one off basis. Those landlords who offered such deductions strengthened the relationships they had with their tenants.

In the hospitality sector, I am happy to observe that the international hotel brands remain interested in expanding their presence to Albania, but remain skeptical of the delay in infrastructure investments in the country. As soon as the country can facilitate better air and road traffic links to the South of Albania the higher the chances of attracting international hotel chains to this part of the Albanian Riviera.

Mr. Përparim KALO

Managing Partner at KALO & ASSOCIATES & Board Member of FIAA

KALO & ASSOCIATES continued its activity based on the new regulations of doing business under the COVID 19 circumstances issued by the Government of Albania.
We organized the work from home for 90 per cent of the staff, whereas 10 per cent of the staff practiced from the offices, following the rules such as distance, hygiene, and timing.
Although, the activity was reduced and at least 5 mega projects, we were working on were suspended, we decided to keep the office intact from human resources and payment obligations.
Now, we believe that the way the work was organized during the last 2 months will very likely continue for inertia, so it is important to strengthen the IT solutions and also literacy of people in the firm.

We believe the situation will be normalized when communication between continents and especially between the EU countries and EU with Western Balkans are relaxed.

Mr. Rohan D’Souza

Chairman of Shell Industries Albania & Board Member of FIAA

“Shell in Albania adjusted rapidly to the lockdown, because of the spread of Coronavirus. Overnight, our entire workforce began working from home. Like other businesses at the beginning we had to work through a range of challenges (like IT infrastructure & people’s physical working conditions). But our thoughts and prayers remain with the people who are both physically and economically affected by this pandemic and we will play our part in bringing Albania back to normal.”

2020 marks a special year for FIAA. 20 years ago, FIAA was established by the main Foreign Investors in Albania, thus turning into a reality their aspiration for the creation of such an organization in the country. The subsequent launch of FIAA was highly appreciated and welcomed by the Authorities, Business Community, as well as International Bodies present in Albania. Today, FIAA represents the most prominent foreign businesses operating in Albania originating from different geographies and active in various sectors of the economy.

There is no doubt that FIAA’s successes to become a highly reputable organization in Albania, has come a long way and is clear result of the commitment, efforts and trust of each and every member of the organization. Today, I am glad to see that we have built important and sustainable bridges of cooperation with important international organizations such as EBRD, IFC/WB, EU, IMF, UNDP as well as many diplomatic bodies.

When I go back throughout the years, I am proud to realize several milestones that FIAA has achieved during this way of accomplishing its mission. It is a great sense of fulfillment to have members which have been with us for 20 years and together we have seen each other growing and reaching numerous successes. During these years, the business life in the country hasn’t been always flourishing, and our Foreign Investors Network has gone through challenging moments. However, whatever the difficulties, FIAA has always succeeded to preserve its impartiality and political unbiasedness, which have been the cornerstones of making it a credible organization and trustful partner of foreign investors and international organizations in Albania.

Today, FIAA continues to be home to main foreign investors in the country, a place where knowledge and professionalism is shared, a place where information and views are exchanged and communicated to the Albanian business audience. Our tailor made events like Conferences, Exhibitions, Forums and Committees are a clear sign of such endeavors.

Contributing to a better investment environment has been the key drive for FIAA’s mission. At the same time, maintaining dialogue with the Authorities in a volatile political country like Albania has been even more challenging.

Finally, I would like to express my firm engagement that along with the Board of Directors, FIAA will strive to accomplish its mission even under current difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic situation. We will continue to serve and support our members by embracing new approaches for a more efficient work and better professional outcome, thus contributing to the improvement of the investment framework in the country where FIAA will be rightfully considered as the Partner of Foreign Investors.

By Marinela Jazoj

Executive Director

FIAA Your Partner for Sustainable Development in Albania

It’s time to promote and protect your business!

JOIN FIAA!

Despite living in pandemic times and experiencing various difficulties, the private producers of hydro-energy with priority are faced with sudden developments in the Energy Regulation in Albania. Unfortunately, the small hydro power investors are not finding peace and long-term sustainability. Despite all the negotiations, consultations and the work done with the institutions in the last 5 years, there are other changes which are putting their investments in a pessimistic scenario.

The recent change of the Government decreased the Bonus by 10 % (from 1.3 to 1.2), through an unexpected decision, taken by the Council of Ministers regarding the DCM adopted on 13 May 2020, to amend the DCM No. 687., dated 22.11.2017 “On the approval of the Methodology for determining the annual purchase price of electricity, which will be paid to existing producers with priority”.

In addition, this industry is having some other issues due to the recently imposed tariff from several Municipalities, called “The Environmental Protection and Improvement Fee”, which is illegal, disproportionate and has not been at all consulted with the interest groups. This practice is applied by several municipalities in Albania at different levels, and is becoming an issue, due to the no proportional method, the local authorities are imposing to the hydro power investments. This practice has been intensively addressed to the highest Authorities in the country.

FIAA together with AREA have engaged intensively with the Authorities and are working to find solutions involving also the Energy Secretariat in Vienna, aiming to review the DCM and prevent other harmful changes in the law, as well as restore dialogue and trust between the Government and investors in this sector.

The Board of FIAA has been following carefully the economic situation created by the pandemic and has tried to bring out main industry concerns of the members and addressed them to the authorities. Several virtual meetings have been conducted during April and May and continuous communication has been kept with the members directly by the Chairman. The Chairman of FIAA has also sent officially the main concerns on the main industries and raised the importance of gradual Opening of the economy.

The Board of FIAA has stressed out the importance of sectoral analysis and the continuity of communication, not only with the Members, but also with the Authorities. As such, it was sent a letter to the authorities with feedback from FIAA members.

Some of the issues identified in consultation with our Members have been the following:

1. Suggest for increasing the volume of the guarantee for liquidity capital to other industries (except Tourism, production and facon).
2. Bring up again the need for speeding up VAT Reimbursement, especially for those industries which are in immediate need for liquidity and the state owns to them big amounts of VAT for a long time.
3. Suspend VAT payments in respect to the overdue invoices; in this moment, the State cannot ask the private companies to anticipate money that the latter have not received yet. Business cannot finance the State, the State should help the business.
4. Postpone the relevant tax payment to all sectors that were affected by the crisis. In particular Mining, Oil and Gas, and related companies, given the fact that these companies have suspended/slowed operation due to the lack of demand and low prices in the global markets.
5. Ask for transparency on the supporting schemes for employees in different sectors in Albania for those receiving reduced salaries or no salaries at all, and come up with a plan supporting consultancy companies as well. The professional services have to also be considered. The Government has to come up with a financial plan for this category (law firms, accounting firms, general consulting firms, notaries, bailiffs, etc.)
6. Reduce bureaucracy when dealing with administration, double taxation procedures and requirements to foreign customers when outsourcing their activities in Albania.
7. Apply No penalties/interest charges for late payments on taxes and maybe arranging settlement agreement between business and tax authorities for late payments.“ and “No collateral requests from banks in case of loan application”.
8. Coordinate better with local authorities and central government in supporting business in rural areas, where are mostly located the extractive industries.
9. Stimulate the internal consumption by helping SME-s and self-employed (farmers) with very low interest credits to all parts of the chain. This should be done through mechanisms like Agro-Funds/SME-Funds, treated with nearly 0% interest.

During the last weeks, FIAA has been following with serious concern the situation created by the lock down and measures imposed to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 throughout Albania.

FIAA is aware that the business is living in critical moments and from many contacts with most of its members, FIAA has understood that this emergency situation has caused an unprecedented impact on their daily business. Business community is very concerned not only due to the current situation, but most of all from the uncertainty of the future.  The main issue being faced now is how to deal with work force and related costs, and also with payments to be made to the state budget and to third party suppliers. This is even of a bigger concern for those businesses that are completely locked down, therefore, FIAA has continuously asked for the Government’s attention and requested their intervention.

After continuous communication with the Government of Albania, on April 14^th, FIAA was represented by its Chairman in the Investment Council and had the opportunity to contribute with proposals for addressing this situation directly to Minister Denaj and other participants from International Organizations and Business.

FIAA’s proposals in the Investment Council Meeting 

• FIAA thinks that a gradual startup of the economy is the best possible “medicine”for all businesses affected by the lock down, and the restart of the economy will help all sectors as it will give oxygen to all our lungs, and bring the revenues back which we are lacking at this very moment. The restart of the economy needs to take into consideration the public health since any sudden increase of the number of infections would trigger the reintroduction of stringent measures.

In the meantime GoA has announced a number of support measures, the latest ones on April 13^th, 2020.

• Since March, many sectors are heavily hit, many businesses are completely locked down and in a very tense liquidity situation. A large portion of the staff of these businesses are left virtually without work, although they remain employed by their companies as most businesses presume that the lock down will only take some months.

However, in many cases the liquidity situation does not allow to pay full salaries any more, as no employer knows how long this situation will continue. FIAA’s concern is for the financial situations of the many employees affected.

FIAA proposes to GoA to consider introducing a short work support scheme like in many EU countries. Such scheme would mean paying to the employees for a period of three months 30% of their salaries and the social security associated with such 30%. This would limit the damage for the employees and help to preserve a minimum purchase power.

Specific Sector comments represented by the Foreign Investors Association:

• The Textile Sector is helped by a rapid switch to the production of masks. FIAA thanks Minister Ahmetaj for addressing this to the EU and for establishing any potential contact.
• The Oil Production Industry is in greatest difficulty due to a complete crash of demand resulting in a severe liquidity situation.
• An accelerated VAT Reimbursement would help all businesses in Albania, but in particular those which are closed completely. In addition, FIAA thinks that other measures may be considered.
• So far, Tax Prepayments are based on the profit of the previous year. This creates a problem, even if tax payments have been postponed as was announced on April 13^th.  For the vast majority 2019 has been a great year, but in 2020 revenues are heavily reduced since middle of March. To make prepayments based on pre-year profits is a heavy burden. Help on this will be appreciated. In addition, the volume of sovereign guarantee offered by GoA so far may be too tight to cover the demand for loan guarantees.
• Air Transport is currently completely shut down except for cargo traffic, but air transport is also hugely important for getting the economy going again, since not only airlines and airport depend on an open sky, but also the hotel and tourism sector need the air travel to survive. Without the air passengers the situation will continue to be depressed for tourism. Obviously, the reopening of air transport has to be done with the greatest precautions to avoid the re-import of the virus which we are fighting so well in Albania. And it requires not only the willingness of GoA to reopen the skies, but also of the Governments of all other partner countries, in particular the European Union have to agree to open the sky. It is worth working internationally on the reopening of the skies. The moment Mother Tereza Airport will reopen for scheduled passenger flights will be a great moment for the whole Albanian economy, the decisive signal that we have made it through the crisis.
• Finally, a suggestion how Tourism, Hotel Sector, Airlines and Airport can be greatly helped: If GoA would consider suspending for a period of one and a half years, until October 2021, the Border Crossing Tax of 10 EUR per departing passenger this will take a big financial burden away and greatly help the recovery not only of this sector but set an important signal for the whole economy.

Please read here:  Business requests by FIAA in cooperation with Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry

On 14^th of April, the Investment Council organized an extraordinary Zoom teleconferencing meeting to discuss on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business in Albania, focusing on the financial and economic measures taken by the government to cope with the consequences of the pandemic, main business concerns, including as well potential measures to be taken in the near future.

FIAA was represented by its chairman Mr. Constantin von Alvensleben, who, together with the other business organizations participants, have urged to the government to take meaningful support measures. The requests mainly extended to: unemployment, fiscal relieves at central and local government level (e.g. timely VAT reimbursement and alleviation of penalties by the tax administration), liquidity and subventions for the re-boost of specific sectors such as the agro-industry. For certain industries, measures need to be taken for the companies to avoid employee lay-offs, including options for reshaping penalty requirements which should be mitigated during this period.

Below, there is a set of recommendations that FIAA has addressed to the Government of Albania:

FIAA thinks that a gradual startup of the economy is the best possible “medicine” for all businesses affected by the lock-down, and the restart of the economy will help all sectors, as it will give oxygen to all our lungs, and bring the revenues back which we are lacking at this very moment. The restart of the economy needs to take into consideration the public health since any sudden increase of the number of infections would trigger the reintroduction of stringent measures.

• Textile sector, which is helped by a rapid switch to the production of masks.
• Oil production industry is in great difficulty due to a complete crash of demand resulting in a severe liquidity situation.
• An accelerated VAT reimbursement would help all businesses in Albania, but in particular those which are closed completely. In addition, we think that other measures may be considered.
• Tax prepayments are based on the profit of the previous year, such creating a problem, even if tax payments have been postponed in time. For the vast majority 2019 has been a great year, but in 2020 revenues are heavily reduced since middle of March. To make prepayments based on pre-year profits is a heavy burden. In addition, the volume of sovereign guarantee offered by GoA so far, may be too tight to cover the demand for loan guarantees.
• Tourism (hotel sector, airlines and airport) are severely affected by the complete lock-down. Any supporting measures and schemes by the Government will be fundamental.
• Air transport is currently completely shut down except for cargo traffic, but air transport is also hugely important for getting the economy going again, since not only airlines and airport depend on an open sky, but also the hotel and tourism sector need the air travel to survive! Without the air passengers the situation will continue to be depressed for tourism. Obviously, the reopening of air transport has to be done with the greatest precautions to avoid the re-import of the virus, which we are fighting so well in Albania.

The Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA) on February 26^th held its Annual Assembly Meeting. In this meeting there were presented the main activities and the work program of the association along with the main challenges of its 2020 Agenda.

During this Meeting, the Assembly of Members elected the President of FIAA along with the new members to the Board of Directors that will lead the Association in the next two years.

The New Managing Board of FIAA consists of High Executives of important companies in the country:

Mr. Constantin von ALVENSLEBEN    

CEO of Tirana International Airport, Newly elected President of FIAA

Mr. Elvin GURI                                           

Investor at Telekom Albania, Newly Elected Board Member of FIAA

Mr. Bledar SHELLA                                   

CEO of OTP Bank Albania, Newly Elected Board Member of FIAA

Mr. Rohan D’SOUZA                              

Country Manager of SHELL Companies in Albania, elected in 2019

Mrs. Stela DHAMI                                   

Managing Partner of Colliers International in Albania, elected in 2019

Mr. Xingyun SUN                                    

CEO of Bankers Petroleum Albania, elected in 2019

Mr. Perparim KALO                               

Managing Partner at Kalo & Associates, elected in 2019

The new Chairman of FIAA, Mr. Constantin von ALVENSLEBEN comes with a long experience in airports and aviation, but also in the property development industry. He became familiar with Albania and its business environment since his first position as CEO of TIA during 2005-2007, where he successfully managed the start-up phase of the only Airport in Albania.  In September 2019, Mr. Constantin relocated to Albania to undertake a new challenge as CEO of Tirana International Airport SHPK, this time owned by the Chinese company ”China Everbright” which is based and listed in Hongkong.

During his word the New Chairman thanked the Members of FIAA for trusting and voting for him, and giving him the chance to lead an important association such as FIAA.

With 20 years presence in Albania, FIAA has been and continues to be an important partner for the Government of Albania in the development and economic integration of the country. The Association has consolidated a sustainable co-operation with local and international authorities in the country, positioning itself as part of the various consulting structures focusing on the business climate in the country and absorbing new investments. FIAA counts 80 member companies, among them large international corporations such as Shell, Statkraft, important international banks and experienced property, infrastructure and energy developing companies.

“EXPECTATIONS FOR 2020”

Tom Kristian LARSEN

CEO and Country Head Albania of STATKRAFT/Devoll Hydropower

I encourage the public as well as private sector to push for continuous improvements and implementation of reforms and measures for increasing transparency as well as decreasing corruption and unfair competition. Only by relentlessly handling such endemic legacies can the country truly move forward to realize its full potential for a stronger economy and broader prosperity.

Mario BRACCI

CEO of Antea CEMENT

2020 is expected to be another challenging year for Antea Cement. Cement consumption in the domestic market for the past 2-3 years has shown signs of stability accompanied by a modest growth, the company remains optimistic that such trends will remain stable for the year ahead. Nevertheless, the company remains cautious about developments that might undermine the current stability in the market which are related to the liquidity in the market, availability and progress of existing projects, as well as production costs.

Similarly the company will be as well active in the export activities by exporting in the neighboring countries as  well as in the Mediterranean region, however such exports will depend as usual on the on the production costs of the company in order to achieve profitable exports due to high competitive pricing in the international market.

Stela DHAMI, MBA, LEED® GA

Managing Partner of Colliers International

From the real estate perspective, year 2020 is a year that will see continuous growth in the tourism sector and more specifically in the hotel subsector of the market. However, the earthquake of 26^th of November will have an impact on the desire of new brands to enter the Albanian market and primarily the Durres-Golem area. Interest will increase for the Riviera portion of the coast, but here investments in infrastructure are instrumental in attracting world recognized brands.

Other real estate segments of the market will see change. The office sector will see an increase in stock in the foreseeable future coming from the increased number of office and mixed use buildings being built currently in Tirana, where the main economic activity occurs in the country. The increase in stock will drive downward pressure on real estate rental prices. The retail sector will not see any change as there are no plans for future major retail projects in the country. We will see however the development of big box retail in other cities of Albania to house some of the large space retailers. New retailers that will find the perfect balance between quality and price will be accepted positively in the market by the consumers who in our market are very price sensitive. The residential market will be over saturated given that we already have an oversupply of unsold apartments.  High end residential stock will continue to attract investors in the peripheral areas of the city that attract buyers who are looking for a lifestyle change.

Rohan D’SOUZA

Country Chairman of Shell Industries Albania

Shell is proud of the progress we have made in Albania over the last few years. Our strategy is to deliver a world-class investment case, to thrive in the energy transition, and to maintain a strong societal licence to operate. We see signs for optimism in the continuing reform agenda being collaboratively employed by Government and the International Community. We look forward to continuing to work with many Albanian companies and the Albanian Government over the year ahead.

Përparim KALO

Founder and Managing Partner of KALO & ASSOCIATES

2020 opens a new decade, so it is not simply a new year, but the beginning of 10 years period of regeneration and healing of sectors of economics and politics and of major events and developments such as the likelihood of opening of negotiations for EU membership, completion of OSCE chairmanship, reconstruction of massive buildings damaged by the earthquakes, etc. These events call for greater involvement of businesses in mobilizing the energy Albanian people have and create more opportunities for using such energy to improve the Doing Business climate. FIAA as a leading business organization will have to play an important role to raise optimism of business community through an open, but very demanding dialogue with the Albanian public institutions, especially with law making and law enforcement agencies.

This year is considered very special because of expected travel to space on the new rover by early autumn, and hopefully will coincide with Albania starting official travel to EU…

Xingyun SUN

CEO of Bankers Petroleum Albania

We are expecting the tax regime in Albania can keep stable and all monitoring and inspections from the government or its agency should strictly respect laws and regulations.