Being the only foreign business representing organization in Albania, FIAA met with the RCC Representatives (Regional Cooperation Council), and the Ministry of Finance and Economy, to give its views and perspectives on the implementation of Individual Reform Action Plan (IRAP) within the MAP REA Regional Investment Reform Agenda. During the consultations with the FIAA Representatives, were discussed the ongoing reforms and policies undertaken in Albania along with the specific concerns Business is facing. FIAA highlighted the importance of the business involvement in the consulting process and stressed out continuous lack of the follow up in several government initiatives.
Investment Council discusses on Investment Potentials and Priority Sectors
Chaired by the Minister of Finance and Economy, Ms Anila Denaj, Albania Investment Council discussed “On Investment Potentials and Priority Sectors” during its scheduled meeting in October 2019.
FIAA participates the World Bank Consultative Meeting with Private Sector
The World Bank Group (WBG) has been preparing the Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) update for Albania. The first SCD for Albania was submitted to the WBG Board and published in 2015. The updated SCD is required as the evidence base to prepare the next Country Partnership Framework (CPF) that would define the engagement between the WBG and Albania in the next five years.
Read MoreFIAA organizes Roundtable on the Draft Law on Invoices and the System for Monitoring the Transactions

Over the last months, FIAA has circulated for consultation among its members the Draft Law on “Invoices and the System for Monitoring the Transactions”. The changes proposed in this draft law are expected to have a broader impact for business in Albania in the next year.
Read More
Investment Law, discussions are going on
During the last months, FIAA has circulated among its members the Draft Unified Investment Law, which is open for consultation. As a follow up of the various comments and opinions, the Responsible Body for its Business Consultation, the Albania Investment Council in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy and presence of IFC Experts organized in June 25th a consultation round table.
Read MoreLabor Inspectorate and Public Procurement Agency agree on Implementation of Labor Code for Businesses
Businesses should be aware of the obligations to abide by the Labor Code, requiring them to treat their employees fairly and equitably regardless of their gender or other characteristics, according to a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Labor and Social Services Inspectorate (SLSSI) and the Public Procurement Agency (PPA). The agreement was signed on June 14th by Ms. Reida Kashta, director of PPA and Mr. Arben Seferaj, Chief Inspector at the SLSSI.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, Mr. Erjon Luçi, and the World Bank Country Manager in Albania, Ms. Maryam Salim.
For more information please visit: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/06/14/labor-inspectorate-and-public-procurement-agency-agree-on-implementation-of-labor-code-for-businesses
Read MoreFIAA presents the outcomes of the Business Environment Survey in Albania 2018-2019
Unfavorable Business Climate, Monopoly and Corruption continue to remain the most concerning issues.
During a mid-year event in June, FIAA presented the outcomes of its Business Environment Survey 2019. The Survey was conducted among the Membership of FIAA which are the most important foreign businesses in the country, operating in various industries such as, energy, oil, mining, banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, etc, that represent the biggest part of the FDI-s in Albania.

FIAA Representatives met with an UNDP Mission
FIAA representatives were invited for a business breakfast with UNDP Albania, an activity set up with the most important actors of the private sector in Albania. The UNDP was represented by the Country Resident Head and the representatives from Regional Centre in Istanbul who introduced their recent programs and focus on the private sector engagement and development of partnerships. On the other side, FIAA representatives introduced their initiatives on support of the Economy and Communities they work with. They also emphasized the importance that business has given to Social Responsibility during the recent years and the vision they have to further play a role on the development of the social and economic growth of the country.
Read MoreInvestment Council discusses on the Investments and Legal Security on Property
During its May Meeting, Albania Investment Council (IC) discussed on “ Investments and Legal Security on Property”, a meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Economy, Mrs. Anila Denaj but with presence of the Key Relevant Stakeholder, Mr. Artan Lame as Head of the Newly created State Agency of Cadastre. In support of this meeting, the Investment Council hold a series of Consultation Meetings with Business Organizations, with FIAA as was one of the Contributors with presented Concerns and Recommendations on the property issues.
In this meeting, FIAA was represented by its official appointed Member in the Council, FIAA’s Chairman Mr. Tom Larsen.
For more information please visit: https://www.investment.com.al/investment-council-meeting-on-investments-and-legal-security-on-property/
Read MoreMr. Xingyun Sun – CEO of Bankers Petroleum Albania
“We have ambitious plans for our investment and we see the Albanian government as one of the closest partners to develop our strategy and business”
FIAA: Mr. Sun, this is your first year in Albania and also the first for the Geo-Jade Corporation. Who is GEO-JADE in China and where is your role consisting in the Acquisition of Bankers Petroleum in Albania?
Mr. Xingyun Sun: “Geo-jade Petroleum Corporation” is a company from China which has been expanding its investments remarkably in the last years. It was founded in August 1984 and is one of the first pilot enterprises in Hainan Province to launch public offering of stocks. Geo-jade Petroleum Corporation is foraying into Oil & Gas industry, throughout overseas acquisitions of oil and gas assets. The Company has conducted a strategic transition, which has strengthened the company’s capacity for sustainable development.
Currently in Kazakhstan the company holds 100% equity in both Maten oil company and Kozhan company, which are oil producing operators. Since the establishment, the company has always operated fully in compliance with business laws, as well as honestly and trustworthy. Geo-Jade Petroleum has won the best practice in the Belt & Road award on “2014 China cross-border investment Golden Whistle Award” , the economic cooperation achievement award issued by “Silk Road Fund for Peace” , and has also been awarded the “2016 top 100 enterprises in Hainan Province award” issued by “Federation of Hainan enterprises”.
As regarding to the investment in Balkan region, Bankers Petroleum is one of the most important Chinese investment and its now under the property of Geo-Jade Petroleum. We are very proud of our presence here with Bankers which is the largest taxpayer that represents 5% of Albanian’s GDP. Bankers has invested US$ 2 Billion in Albania, while more will be done by using modern technology and develop further the major asset of the country.
Read More