News

The EU Delegation to Albania had launched the consultation process for the drafting of the 2022 Annual Country Report on Albania and specific meetings with civil society representatives and business community were hold in April 12^th, 2022.

During early April, in Tirana it was organized a dedicated meeting for the presentation of the WBIF instrument for the private sector (WBIF Guarantee Facility and Private Sector Blending), a programming mission headed by Ms. Michela Matuella, Acting Director of the DG NEAR. The objective of this mission was to present the IPA overall framework and discuss priorities for the upcoming programming exercise in Albania.

Transition Report is the EBRD’s flagship annual report analyzing progress in implementation of structural reforms and economic development across 38 countries where the EBRD invests, including Albania. Transition Report 2021-22 ‘Digitalization, System Upgrade: Delivering the Digital Dividend’ explores the digitalization as one of the key forces shaping our world.

FIAA’s Board had been invited to a working lunch with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania to discuss about the business climate and foreign investments in the country. During the talks there were exchanged views on the current business environment in Albania, further perspectives and reforms needed on mutual interest on support of the Albanian business environment along with good corporate governance.

In frame of the FIAA’s mission to improve the business climate in Albania, the Survey on Business Environment in Albania 2022 is currently being conducted. This survey is addressed to all the members of FIAA and other foreign businesses/Institutions operating in Albania in order to collect direct feedback and insights on the doing business climate in the country. The Survey results will help us to identify the most concerning issues and challenges faced by them while doing business in Albania, which will be further shared and addressed with the relevant Public Authorities.

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!