E-Newsletter 2020, Issue II

June 2020

Dear Reader!

With the trust that you are all well after an unusual spring period, we are glad to share with you our Electronic Newsletter, reflecting different actions taken by FIAA Board and Members, as well as views, insights and approaches towards the entire pandemic situation!

This information is also available on our website: www.fiaalbania.al

FIAA celebrates its 20^th Anniversary

2020 marks a special year for FIAA. 20 years ago, FIAA was established by the main Foreign Investors in Albania, thus turning into a reality their aspiration for the creation of such an organization in the country. The subsequent launch of FIAA was highly appreciated and welcomed by the Authorities, Business Community, as well as International Bodies present in Albania. Today, FIAA represents the most prominent foreign businesses operating in Albania originating from different geographies and active in various sectors of the economy...Read more

FIAA Board of Directors discusses how to cope and be effective in the Covid-19 situation during the Zoom Board Meetings

The Board of FIAA has been following carefully the economic situation created by the pandemic and has tried to bring out main industry concerns of the members and addressed them to the authorities. Several virtual meetings have been conducted during April and May and continuous communication has been kept with the members directly by the Chairman....Read more

Sudden changes in Inappropriate times

Despite living in pandemic times and experiencing various difficulties, the private producers of hydro-energy with priority are faced with sudden developments in the Energy Regulation in Albania. Unfortunately, the small hydropower investors are not finding peace and long-term sustainability. Despite all the negotiations, consultations and the work done with the institutions in the last 5 years, there are other changes which are putting their investments in a pessimistic scenario.... Read more

Investment Council holds Emergency Meeting about Pandemic Impact on the Business

Tirana, on 14/04 the Investment Council held an extraordinary meeting to discuss on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the business in Albania and financial and economic measures taken by the government. This emergency meeting was convened by the Minister of Finance and Economy and it was attended by all Investment Council members....Read more

Tirana Airport responds to COVID-19 with aid package and comprehensive protective measures

Tirana International Airport saw the full impact of COVID-19 in April, when it handled 1.5% of normal traffic. Its crisis management strategy includes an aid package for staff, reduced capital expenditure, and comprehensive hygiene and social distancing measures. Dr. Constantin von Alvensleben, Chief Executive Officer, Tirana International Airport, briefed Ross Falconer on these initiatives.

For more information please visit: www.tirana-airport.com

Boga & Associates publishes “Investment in Albania 2020” - 14th Edition

Boga & Associates has published the 2020 edition of “Investment in Albania”, a comprehensive guide to understanding the current investment climate and the most important laws regulating investments and commercial activities in Albania.

To further read this Publication, please visit: www.bogalaw.com

EMEA Finance awards Raiffeisen Bank Albania as “Best foreign bank” in Albania

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) has received numerous awards from Global Finance and EMEA Finance. RBI is "Best Bank in Central and Eastern Europe" and "Best Bank in Austria. The network banks in Albania and Russia were selected as "Best foreign bank".

For more information please visit: www.raiffeisen.al

The “Hygiene in School” program, a new initiative by ANTEA

A new initiative taken by Antea Cement, has been the Hygiene School Program. For them, Personal hygiene is not only the act, habit or routine through which they keeps themselves clean, but also a fundamental factor in keeping good health. The primary objective of this initiative is to improve the behavior of students in regards to personal and food hygiene in their private surroundings and in public spaces. This program also aims to educate children on environmental factors in the sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

For more information please visit: www.anteacement.com

Philip Morris International confirms commitment to its employees during pandemic

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) has announced the establishment of a set of important guiding principles that outline the company’s strong commitment to its employees’ job security and peace of mind, throughout the global pandemic period. These principles encompass three key areas: employment stability, financial stability and special recognition awards.

For more information please visit: www.pmi.com

Coca-Cola Bottling Shqiperia (CCBS) donates 6,000,000 Leke to the Infective Service of "Mother Teresa" University Hospital Center in Tirana

CCBS, the manufacturing company for products of "The Coca-Cola Company" brand in Albania, on behalf of its employees donated an amount of 6,000,000 Lek in favor of the Infective Service of "Mother Tereza” University Hospital Center in Tirana. “In this serious emergency time involving the country, the company in Tirana considers this donation as a necessary gesture to provide concrete support to better cope with this emergency”, states President Mr. Luca Busi. This initiative, like many more others, comes as result of the responsible behavior of all people working at CCBS.

For more information please visit: www.ccbs.al 

Perspectives from FIAA Board Members during the Pandemic lockdown in Albania  

Learn more on Current approach of Business under Covid-19, short and long-term perspective.

Reflections for the consequences and opportunities post Covid-19 Pandemic

Mr. Gasmen TOSKA, CEO of MARLOTEX shpk & Member of FIAA

FIAA’s Chairman participates in the Albanian Investment Council Meeting with the Minister of Finance

On 14^th of April, the Investment Council organized an extraordinary Zoom teleconferencing meeting to discuss on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business in Albania, focusing on the financial and economic measures taken by the government to cope with the consequences of the pandemic, main business concerns, including as well potential measures to be taken in the near future.... Read more

EBRD boosting finance and reform support to help Western Balkans fight coronavirus

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has planned a sharp rise in financing for the Western Balkans this year and has stepped up support for reforms to help the region deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus. During the European Union-Western Balkans summit, EBRD Head stated that they would also be combining its own financial firepower with grant contributions from EU Partners...Read more 

TAP Commits €1,5 million to Support Health Services in Greece, Albania and Italy

At TAP, health and safety come first. Part of their commitment, was contributing to improve the livelihoods and quality of life of communities along TAP’s route, across the three host countries. To that effect, Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG have provided a total of 1.5 million euros to support the fight of the health services in Greece, Albania and Italy against the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information please visit: www.tap-ag.com

Bankers Petroleum Albania supports Institutions and Residents in their investment area

Bankers Petroleum Albania continues to support institutions and residents of the Fier region in these difficult days under Covid-19.In this frame they have distributed about 15,000 masks to the Municipalities of Fier, Patos and Roskovec, which will assist their employees who are in the front line of work. In addition, the company has distributed about 400 Food packages and cleaning products to families in need in the Municipalities of Patos and Roskovec.

For more information please visit: www.bankerspetroleum.com

Membership to FIAA is open to

all Foreign Investors, Representative companies and International Organizations working in Albania.

 Please contact us for further information!