Foreign Investors, International Institutions and other Stakeholders in Albania were gathered to discuss the main findings of the FIAA Business Environment Survey. The Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Arben Ahmetaj was present in this roundtable, discussing and interacting on the most concerning issues of the Survey’s Business Environment Elements. Minister Ahmetaj expressed that Albanian Government considers as highly important the elements of FIAA survey, which are now part of the Discussion Agendas from the relevant institutional structures.
Present Foreign Investors expressed their concerns toward informality measures in Albania, tax audits and Inspections. One of the raised issues was frequent tax administration controls towards businesses, even in those audited by the “Big Four” in Albania.
Most businesses, part of well-known international groups are concerned on VAT reimbursement, Tax procedures, frequent changes of laws or lack of legal acts and legal-fiscal frame.
Mr Pedrazzi, President of FIAA expressed the concern on Tax inspector’s attitude, which is often harassing for the business, in particular for FIAA members that are regular taxpayers.
The Minister expressed his readiness on continuing dialogue with foreign businesses which is a key element in the country’s economy in order to improve environment and support business.
Some other identified aspects affecting doing business in Albania and the business climate relate to courts and justice system functioning, frequent changes of taxes, corruption and high informality.
FIAA Business Environment Survey was conducted during the first half of 2015, aiming to exploring the perceptions and attitudes of Foreign Investors and identifying the most pressing issues for an Enabling Business Environment in Albania.
In response to the Survey findings, FIAA has addressed these issues to the Albanian Investment Council Secretariat which is consdiered to be a vital Partner of FIAA in particular and business in general.