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The monitoring process of the Albanian Investment climate remains one of the main objectives of FIAA. In June 2016, FIAA and Business Alliance of Slovakia presented the final outcomes of Project, “Improving Business Environment in Albania” during a Conference with Members of FIAA, Slovak Team, Slovak Deputy Ambassador and other related partners. The project was financed by the Official Assistance of the Slovak Republic.

During the conference were presented the results of the quarterly Business Environment Index and the Assessment of the Law impact in Albania based on the monitoring of trend and developments of the Business  Climate in Albania for January 2015 – April 2016 period.

The Ministry of Finances has prepared a Draft Fiscal Package for 2017, which does not foresee changes in the tax level, but only an improvement and simplification of tax procedures in the country. The Package was launched during the Meeting of the National Economic Council in June 8th. The Package of Procedures Simplification is considered by the Ministry of Finance as a New Chapter for the business climate. FIAA has complemented the Ministry for this simplified package, aiming to raise business consent and strengthen taxpaying behavior though self-correction of the tax responsibility but also consider as a major challenge the implementation of these measures. 

Improving the business climate remains the goal of reforms for the government’s economic program. A High Level Policy Dialogue on Business Climate and Investment Attractiveness” was organized in May 24th in AIDA’s new premises. Discussions involved the Prime Minister, Minister of Economy, representatives of the IMF and World Bank, foreign investors in Albania and local business leaders. Prime Minister Rama and his Cabinet Members highlighted a number of reforms the government has undertaken as well as associated challenges, and assured foreign entrepreneurs of the Government’s support. He expressed commitment to the continuation of reforms and pledged the Albanian Government will remain a reliable partner in improving the country’s business climate.

Justice Reform approval in Albania is considered by the foreign Investors as one the most crucial conditions which would ensure sustainability of their investments in the country.

In May 23^rd, the Foreign Investors Association of Albania in cooperation with the Delegation of European Union organized a Conference focused on the importance and necessity of the Justice Reform approval in Albania. Through this Conference, the foreign investors and diplomats reminded the politics of the fact that the delay of approving such a crucial reform, brings serious consequences on the business environment’s confidence as well as in supporting and attracting new foreign investments. At his opening word, the Chairman of FIAA stressed the importance of the Justice Reform Approval as a key precondition for boosting and attracting foreign investments in Albania. He also said that every day, members of FIAA encounter unfair court decisions and it can’t go like this for long. The correct implementation of the law is fundamental for both existing inventors and the new ones, Mr. Pedrazzi declared.

In early May this year, foreign investors were part of a roundtable with the Minister of Justice. Main focus of the discussion was on different issues that businesses are facing with the System of Justice in Albania which is a crucial element on well functioning of the business environment in the country.

During the recent years the foreign Investors have stressed out several problems they face related to Courts and Rule of Law in Albania. For them, a credible justice system is the alpha of the investments sustainability and growth in a country. During his word, the Chairman of FIAA highlighted the importance of the communication with the Ministry of Justice as the main representing institution of justice. He further said, that based on the results of the survey that FIAA had conducted on Business Environment, it came out that issues related with Courts and Rule of Law were at the highest concern for businesses. And therefore, such a roundtable would give the opportunity to both business and Minister to address and discuss on the most concerning issues.

joinformalitetit@financa.gov.al is the email address launched for an efficient and direct communication with the business, for reporting cases of violations, but also for asking questions, clarifications, issues, information etc.

At the beginning of April the Government of Albania introduced the continuity of the intensive operation against informality by entering the second stage, which is based on a new approach aimed at redefining the role of the tax administration through a new strategy lying on four pillars:

• Management, focusing on the risk platform
• Simplification of procedures and the fiscal package
• Service to taxpayers
• Communication / education of taxpayers

On March 23^rd, FIAA hold the annual Assembly Meeting of the Members and conducted election of three new Board Members and approval of some amended proposals to FIAA Bylaws.

In his opening speech the Vice President of FIAA, Mr. Dietlof Mare welcomed present FIAA members and made a short overview on the mission of FIAA and the performance of the organization during the last year which was notable through many taken actions in support of the members for a better investment climate in the Country.

In March 2016 Bank of Albania organized a Meeting Discussion with representatives of business associations and executives of the banking system on “Business – Banking Relationships:  Lending perspective 2016” a tradition of dialogue of the Banking System and Business for further strengthening of cooperation.

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In March 2016, FIAA and RisiAlbania met with Economic Attaches of Foreign Embassies in Albania to promote the Brochures which were prepared in frame of the project for the attraction of foreign investors in Agro-Processing, Tourism and BPO.

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At the initiative of the Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship, on March 2016 it was organized a meeting to present the steps that the Albanian government has pursued within the freedom of doing business. The Minister stated the commitment of the government to improve business climate and the need for consultation with the business initiatives in this field, needs for establishment of legal and procedural infrastructure facilities for all businesses operating in Albania. Government’s commitment to short steps will affect Albania’s positive ranking for Doing Business 2017 Report.