On 19 January 2012 at Sheraton Tirana was organized the traditional FIAA’s Wishes Ceremony, which was a success and a good opportunity to meet each other and start the new year in a friendly manner.
The FIAA’s President Mr. Patrick Pascal on behalf of the Board of Directors welcomed the Premier of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha, and the European Union Ambassador in Albania Mr. Ettore Sequi, Ambassadors and Diplomats in Albania, Ministers, Collaborators and Members.
During his word, the Vice President of FIAA Mr. Alexander Zsolnai expressed that FIAA during its 12 years of existence has always been a supporter and facilitator of foreign investments in the country by keeping good relations with the Government of Albania, as well as all other relevant institutions. Facts stand for FIAA growing bigger and bigger and counting more than 104 of active members, the biggest foreign business community in Albania.
2012 presents another challenging and special year, but we could be cautiously optimistic, by moving more closely together with Albanian authorities and our members to increase the level of dialogue – Mr. Zsolnai said.
FIAA has played and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard. Also we should not forget that it remains our duty together with the government to improve the perception of the Albanian economy abroad to attract more foreign investments. Crises times always give a chance and there are still a lot of potentials in Albania.
FIAA commits to reassure all of you that this business association will focus its efforts towards the establishment of a European business environment in Albania. Our main objective will remain to promote and implement EU standard practices and address further improvements in economic environment of Albania.
We look forward to continue and further enhance our relations with the Government of Albania, both at central and local level as well as with the European institutions.
As successfully proven till now, we will also continue our agenda with the promotion of the natural resources and the energy sector of Albania to be concretized in the next Expo-conference to be held in April 19-20, 2012, in Tirana, Albania. We also continue to offer our support on the preparation of the Albanian FDI-s Reports being so a close partner of this nation.
“Therefore, I assure you all that FIAA is and shall remain a major Partner for the Economic development of this country”.
Mr. Zsolnai concluded by wishing everyone a Happy and Successful New Year and a joyful evening and thanking and leaving the floor to the Premier Berisha!
At this occasion the Premier of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha extended too his wishes for the year ahead and expressed his will to make 2012 a successful year, by preserving economic increase and development of Albania. “Our country is ranking higher in the energy and renewable energy issues, part of Big Companies’ agendas, natural mineral resources, great tourism potentials and favorable conditions for agricultural undertakings and with an improved infrastructure. As well, to facilitate and improve investing environment, a great work has been undertaken to provide a broad telecommunication support” expressed the Premier.
In his speech PM Berisha addressed to the foreign business community considering it a privilege to wish them a happy and successful new year. “Together we will preserve economic increase for further development through the multidimensional global economic crises. We will undertake all efforts to consolidate and improve competiveness in Albania. The Albanian Government is ready and will strongly support your doing business here. The crisis proves that the Albanian economic model functions, we have the smaller administration, lower fiscal burden, and above all we have economic freedom.
The Premier of Albania concluded by thanking the investors who have trusted this country to establish their investments.
Greeting this special ceremony, the EU Ambassador Mr. Ettore Sequiexpressed positive for Albania’s progress in 2012 and continuous support of EU for the foreign business community in Albania and FIAA.
Given this occasion we would like to thank all our members for being part of FIAA and in particular the members that hosted this event:
Boga & Associates
Ernst & Young
Interalbanian, Vienna Insurance Group
Kalo & Associates
KPMG Albania
LF Construction, The Touch of Sun
PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
Societe Generale Bank Albania
Sheraton Tirana Hotel
TIREX Resources
TITAN, Antea Cement
Tonucci & Partners
Trans Adriatic Pipeline
Vodafone Albania
The evening concluded with a cocktail and networking.