News

In frame of the discussions for the chapters of the European Integration Partnership Platform, FIAA’s representatives appointed in the groups have been active in the organized Working discussions. During the period January-March have been held discussion tables, specifically on the following Chapters:

In frame of the engagement of the Ministry of Finance to tackle the business recommendations from the FIAA’s White Book 2021-2025, along with some other recommendations from business organizations in the country, during February-March have been organized several online meetings on: Tax, Hydrocarbons, Fiscal Regime on Hydrocarbons, Fiscalization, Concessions, Renewable Energy, Banking Regulatory Framework, Residence and Work Permit. During discussion with experts of the Ministry and other Authorities involved, have been concluded some recommendations provided, others have been closed as they no longer are relevant or are in process to be solved, and many Open status issues require further consultation and technical meeting discussions, to be hold in the following weeks/months.

Deputy President of FIAA Mrs. Rigela Gegprifti and Executive Director Ms. Marinela Jazoj met with Mr. Gareth Evans, the Trade Policy Advisor of the British Embassy Belgrade covering the Western Balkans. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and elaborate on cooperation with the British Embassy in support of British investments in Albania. During the meeting it was highlighted the importance of a better investment in the country along with easing the bureaucracy, fight against corruption and a pro-business environment. Among others, it was also discussed the close cooperation between FIAA and the British investors in the country.

Ms. Marinela Jazoj, FIAA’s Executive Director and Mrs. Katalin Beszteri, Trade and Commercial Attaché in the Embassy of Hungary in Albania hold a discussion meeting to strengthen communication, exchange views on the business climate, as well as further expand cooperation with Hungarian’ investments in Albania. In the last 2 years there has been an increasing interest of the Hungarian investments in the country in the sectors of Banking, Telecommunications and Energy putting Hungary in the map of the FDI-s contribution in the economy of Albania.

April 2022 marks the 22^nd anniversary of FIAA establishment. At this occasion, the Management of FIAA received to a private gathering its founding and long-standing members who achieved 20+years Membership. Going back 22 years ago, when FIAA was founded, distinguished foreign Businesses, Entrepreneurs and CEO-s, members of FIAA shared together their best moments, difficulties and challenges in the early years when Albania entered the free market economy! The President of FIAA and the Executive Director thanked the members for the trust and loyalty throughout the 22 years!

The High Judicial Council in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice completed on March 11th, 2022, the public consultation cycle on the proposal for the new Judicial Map.

The cycle of 8 consultative meetings during January-March 2022, has had 6 consultations with stakeholders exercising their activity in the jurisdictions of the courts of appeal Vlora, Gjirokastra, Shkodra, Korca, Durres and Tirana and 2 meetings with representatives of civil society and the business community. These meetings were attended by representatives from local chambers of advocacy, representatives from the General Prosecutor’s Office, judges and judicial civil servants.

The Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA) hold in February 17th its yearly event, a traditional celebration which gathered the Foreign Business Community in Albania and the highest Diplomatic representatives along with key institutions in the country. The Event, called “A Prosperous Business Year 2022”, was greeted by the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Ms. Belinda Balluku who together with her key staff paid a serious commitment and engaged in thoughtful discussions with all the participants.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has recently established the Advisory Committee for Private Tourism Sector, with participation of national business associations, chambers and commerce, Academics, NGOs and stakeholders operating in tourism industry.

The first meeting of the Committee was hold on February 15^th, at the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mrs. Mirela Kumbaro. FIAA was represented in the meeting by the Executive Director, Ms. Marinela Jazoj, at the quality of Permanent Member of this Committee.

WASHINGTON, February 11, 2022 – Albania’s economic model requires greater investment in people’s skills, firm productivity, sustainability, and public finances, says the new World Bank Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) for Albania, released today.

Albania has been severely impacted by the economic shocks which followed both the 2019 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the ongoing health crisis subsides, the country will need to refocus on its long-term economic objectives, which include building a strong and sustainable growth model to improve citizens’ living standards, thereby helping incentivize people with skills and talent to remain in Albania.

The Improvement of the Investment Climate in the country is the new focus of the Albanian Minister of Finance and Economy Mrs. Delina Ibrahimaj.  It was first stated by the Minister during the presentation of the White Book of FIAA in October 2021, where the Minister said that the White Book has been consolidated as a “platform” where foreign investors and state authorities discuss together the challenges of doing business in the country and comes as a long way guide, where we will need to improve and cooperate.