Author Archives Fiaa User

FIAA: Dr. Acar, it’s been more than two years since you started leading Albchrome in Albania. Could you share some insights about your work in the mining industry in Albania? How does it differ from your previous experiences in Türkiye or elsewhere?

Dr. Acar: It is a well-known fact that Albania is located within the world-class mineralization belt, the so-called “Tethyan Belt,” which extends more than 10,000 km from Eastern Europe through Türkiye and across Asia. Thanks to this rich geological occurrence, Albania has significant mineral potential, particularly in terms of chrome and nickel, along with some minor scale base metal mineralization’s, such as copper. Small to medium-scale chrome resources have been exploited for more than 75 years in the region. Nearly half of the ore production has been converted into a semi-end product, ferrochrome, locally for over 40 years, serving the global stainless-steel industry and adding value to the Albanian economy.

“While building trust in our technology and solutions, we aim contributing to a more sustainable and greener future”

FIAA: In our last General Assembly, we got to know you through your impressive candidature speech and your charisma. What is your background, Philipp?

Mr. Koronowski: I hold a degree in electrical power engineering and business administration, specializing in renewable energy technologies from RWTH Aachen University—one of Europe’s premier institutions for electrical engineering. It was here that I met my friend Bruno, who would become my business partner. Together, we envisioned starting a solar construction company in Albania, attracted by its untapped market potential and abundant solar production capabilities. My initial visit to Albania as a tourist solidified my commitment to this venture. Prior to founding Vega Solar, Bruno and I improved our competence in Germany, working across various residential, commercial, and industrial solar projects. This experience equipped us with the essential practical knowledge to establish and grow our business in Albania.

“I do see a trend towards greater digitization and innovation in the insurance and pension sectors”

FIAA: You are the Chief Executive Officer of SIGAL Uniqa Pension Fund. How challenging is to operate in a field which is still rather unknown to the Albanian citizens? Why does it make sense to look for private pension solutions in Albania and what is the Austrian experience in this regard?

Mr. Ponari: Operating in a field that is still unfamiliar to many Albanians can indeed be challenging, but it also presents an opportunity to educate and inform citizens. Private pension solutions offer individuals the chance to take control of their financial future, rather than relying solely on state pensions. By understanding the benefits of private pensions and dispelling any superstitions or misconceptions, Albanians can make right decisions that will benefit them in the long run.