On 7th November, the German Economic Team (GET), in collaboration with the Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA), convened a roundtable to present and discuss the policy study titled “Defining Target Groups and Promotional Measures to Attract FDI to Albania.” The event brought together foreign investors operating in Albania, senior representatives from Albanian ministries, embassies, international donors, and institutional stakeholders.
Commissioned and financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany, the policy study was initiated at the request of the Albanian Government as part of its intensified efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Conducted by GET with local coordination and support from FIAA, the study took place during July–September 2025. Its aim is to identify strategic investor profiles and promising target groups and to propose concrete promotional measures to enhance Albania’s FDI appeal.
The discussion was moderated by FIAA’s Director Ms. Marinela Jazoj, followed by key contributions from Dr. Ricardo Giucci, Team Leader, German Economic Team, H.E. Mr. Karl Bergner, Ambassador of Germany to Albania, Mrs. Blerta Rama, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation, Mr. Gregor Schlosser, Desk Officer at Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action from Germany and Mr. Björn Vogler, Investment Attraction Expert, GET.
The policy study “Defining Target Groups and Promotional Measures to Attract FDI to Albania” adopts a structured, impact-driven approach to foreign direct investment attraction. It systematically analyses, prioritizes, and specifies promising investor segments to guide Albania’s promotional efforts more effectively.
The study’s methodology is anchored in three core dimensions:
- Investment Potential: Evaluating the scale, quality, and sustainability of potential FDI inflows across sectors.
- Competitive Position of Albania: Assessing Albania’s relative advantages and constraints compared to regional and global competitors.
- Development Impact: Prioritizing investments that contribute to employment, innovation, export growth, and alignment with Albania’s long-term development goals.
This multidimensional framework ensures that promotional measures are not only targeted and evidence-based, but also aligned with Albania’s broader economic transformation and EU integration agenda.
The policy study recommends focusing on high-potential investor segments, expanding outreach through strategic platforms, and reinforcing Albania’s FDI framework with complementary tools like TEDAs, economic diplomacy, and targeted incentives.
The shortlisted Target Groups in this specific study were: Tourism; IT & BPO; Rubber & Plastics; Medical Products; Agro-processing; and Defense.
The study recommends that investment promotion efforts prioritize direct engagement with potential investors, through key measures such as: (i) Outreach campaigns tailored to strategic sectors and investor profiles; (ii) Virtual investment seminars to showcase Albania’s opportunities and reforms; and (iii) Participation in international trade fairs to connect with global investors and industry leaders. These tools enable targeted, interactive communication and foster trust, visibility, and investor interest in Albania’s evolving business landscape.
A very interesting discussion complemented the findings of the study, with the participation of the representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Ministry of Finance, Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA), Albanian Investment Council, and several foreign companies that had participated in the study, as well as foreign institutions including the EU Delegation in Albania, IFC, GIZ, etc.
This collaboration with German Economic Team marks another milestone for FIAA in its mission to foster a transparent, investor-friendly business climate and support Albania’s economic transformation and EU integration.