FIAA: Griselda, it is over a year now since you joined Schneider Electric for Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo as the Country Director, could you tell us more about this experience of yours in these markets especially in Albania?
Mrs. Koçi: Our markets are relatively small in comparison to more mature economies, but exactly because of this they have a very big growth potential. In all of the three countries our business has been steadily growing in result and we see all the good prerequisites for this to continue. Albania is considered the high runner of the region, showing ambition and huge proactivity in different fields. Still, operating in an international environment shows us that we have to learn and to adopt a new mindset if we want to continue with the growth. With every step we undertake, the requirements put on us grow and in order to keep the pace we will need to stay flexible and agile. This applies both for individual professionals and for local industries.
While in a process of rapid growth in the energy sector worldwide, Schneider looks to respond effectively to the growing demand for its services and solutions. How important is for Schneider the embracement of new technologies in responding to this demand?
New technologies are the only possible enabler of this growth and change. Our company is very dynamic both in its internal transformation and in the offer development. New tools are introduced and adopted constantly in the way we work, and the launches of new products are part of our daily activities. There is a saying that you cannot manage what you don’t measure, so this is what we do in our operations, and what we offer to the market as well. At the heart of our systems – either in building management or power monitoring, or our industrial applications – is data gathering and visualization. Once you know what’s going on you can be in control – of your consumption, your process, and your efficiency. And technologies really help us be in control and achieve efficiency.
It is evident that Schneider is working towards transforming countries, changing industries, and ultimately improving lives. There must be some challenges related to this. Which are the main challenges that you are facing nowadays while working in this industry?
I will continue here my answer from the previous question: the main challenge is to properly harness all technologies to serve man. This hi-tech environment we live in can be very demanding and this is why a lot people still resist and believe that their old ways of working are better for them. Bridging between today and a more tech-intensive tomorrow is part of the industry’s leader duties. That’s why we aim to be more extrovert in all countries where we have successful operations. By showcasing how new technologies contribute to success and prosperity we can support future growth and help businesses be more confident in order to stay competitive in an international environment.
In addition to the Albania market, you are responsible also for the Kosovo and North Macedonia markets. How differ these markets from one another when it comes to new business opportunities and further plans for more investments in the Energy Industry?
The energy markets in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia each offer unique opportunities for growth and investment. Albania is rapidly expanding into solar and wind energy, creating exciting prospects for new developments. Kosovo, which has traditionally relied on coal, is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on renewable energy and modernizing its infrastructure. Meanwhile, North Macedonia is making great strides in its energy transition, positioning itself as a key player in regional energy integration and green investments. With supportive regulatory frameworks and increasing demand for sustainable solutions, all three markets present a dynamic landscape for future energy investments.
You are a long-standing FIAA member, with over ten years of presence in our business network. What has been your experience with the association so far and how would you like it to develop in the next few years?
The platforms for business exchange like FIAA are of special significance not only for the business itself but for our society as a whole. They connect us and help us develop better practice in different areas, they address media and gain public presence, so that business can put a positive mark on the everyday culture and of course they build networks that can support us in our daily agendas.