E-Newsletter 2021, Issue II

July 2021

Dear Reader!

With the trust that you are all doing well, we are glad to share with you our Electronic Newsletter, reflecting different actions taken by FIAA Members, as well as views, insights and approaches towards the business climate during the second trimester!

We wish you a relaxing summer!

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

WHITE BOOK ALBANIA 2021-2025 preparation is now close to its publication

In frame of the FIAA’s commitment to improving the business climate in Albania, the Tax and Legal Committee 'Experts under FIAA, have prepared the first Draft of the White Book Albania 2021-2025. The draft is now under broader consultations with more businesses, members of FIAA and it is treating a significant part of the legal and tax framework in the country by addressing the most concerning issues in the doing business environment...Read more

FIAA New Board of Directors ‘Meeting

In June 9^th, the FIAA Board of Directors gathered in their first meeting after the newly elected members had joined. The main focus of the meeting was on the FIAA’s upcoming agenda as well as the New Board restructuring. Main discussions among the board members were “brainstorming” on the business concerns and issues that FIAA members report...Read more

FIAA Annual Meeting 2021

In June 1^st, The Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA) held its Annual Assembly Meeting. This Meeting was the first with physical presence of businesses after a long social distancing that society experienced due to the pandemic...Read more

FIAA’s President and Executive Director share views during the Shell Albania Country Coordination Team  

FIAA President Dr. Alvensleben and Ms. Jazoj, participated in a video conference meeting with the Shell Albania Country Team on the Topic “FIAA Manifest and External Perspective on Foreign Investment in Albania”. Through this meeting it was presented the FIAA-s role in Albania, its structure and composition, along with the main actions and interventions in support of the Business Membership...Read more

Successful Joint Action of Business Organizations and Chambers of Commerce in Albania on the extension of the deadline for declaration of the Registering of the Beneficially Owners  

Further to the issuance of the Ministry of Finance of the new legal obligation born in the framework of the implementation of Law no. 112/2020 "On Registering of Beneficiary Owners", with deadline 31st of March 2021 to be applied from business, FIAA jointly with other Chambers and Business Organizations sent a Letter to the Minister of Finance...Read more

Investment Council discusses Draft Business and Investments Development Strategy 2021-2027

The Agenda of the last Meeting of the Investment Council was focused on the Discussions for the Draft Business and Investments Development Strategy 2021-2027. This draft Strategy had been highly at the FIAA Board ‘Focus, as an important strategic Document for the future of the Investments and Business in the Country. In this meeting FIAA was represented by its Chairman Dr Constantin von Alvensleben and the Newly elected Board Member Mr. Gasmen Toska..Read more

Investment Council discusses about the speed of the Reforms in Innovation in Entrepreneurship

In March, the IC held a discussion meeting on the main challenges and recommendations to fostering innovation in entrepreneurship, with a focus on the governance of the ecosystem, cooperation in the context of the “quadruple helix”, access to finance and digital economy...Read more

EBRD supported tender in Albania delivers competitive price for solar power

The French renewables company Voltalia has won the contract for the construction and operation of another 100 MW solar plant in Albania, following its successful bid in a tender run by the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy..Read more

Raiffeisen Bank Albania awarded as “The Best Foreign Bank” in Albania

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) again received numerous awards from both Global Finance and EMEA Finance in their annual banking surveys. In Global Finance's "The World's Best Banks 2021" awards, RBI emerged as "Best Bank in Central and Eastern Europe", same as 2017, 2018 and 2020. All RBI subsidiary banks received the local “Best bank” award. Raiffeisen Bank in Albania was award by Financial Magazine as "The Best Foreign Bank". The banks in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia were additionally awarded as "Best Private Bank".

For more information please visit: www.raiffeisen.al

Bankers CSR- Patos-Marinza is greener on International Environment Day!

On International Environment Day, Bankers Petroleum Albania in cooperation with the Environmental Association “Zharrza” planted dozens of trees in the surroundings of the “Patos-Marinëz” oil field. Bankers executives and employees joined the Association volunteers as part of the initiative to build a green zone around the area.

For more information please visit: www.bankerspetroleum.com

S&P Global Ratings Recognizes PMI’s Business Transformation as Industry Differentiator

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE:PM) is transforming its business to deliver a smoke-free and sustainable future. Today, the company announced that S&P Global Ratings’ ESG Evaluation report has assessed PMI’s approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics and confirmed that PMI has positively differentiated itself within the tobacco sector.

For more information please visit: www.pmi.com

TITAN Cement Group published its 2020 Integrated Annual Report

TITAN Cement Group published its 2020 Integrated Annual Report, which outlines the Group’s financial, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. In 2020, TITAN delivered strong financial performance while taking care of its employees and standing by its neighboring communities. During the year, it ensured high-quality, uninterrupted customer service and accelerated progress towards its digital and sustainability aspirations.

For more information please visit: www.anteacement.com

Interview with Mrs. Albana SHKURTA, Managing Director of Lufthansa Industry Solutions Shpk

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FIAA’s President and Executive Director meet with Diplomats in Albania    

In the frame of the communication that FIAA keeps with Diplomatic Bodies in Albania and further to the prior meetings held with the Ambassadors of Japan and Ambassador of Israel in Albania, FIAA’s President Dr. Alvensleben and Executive Director Ms. Jazoj had a meeting with H.E Mrs. Sophia Philippidou, Ambassador of Greece in Albania...Read more

Public Consultation of the “Draft Intersectoral Justice Strategy 2021-2025”

Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has shared for consultation “The Draft Intersectoral Justice Strategy 2021-2025”. The Draft Intersectoral Justice Strategy 2021-2025 aims to consolidate the legal and institutional framework of the justice system, to incorporate modern European practices in criminal justice, to improve the infrastructure of the justice system, including innovative electronic solutions that support a substantial increase in efficiency and transparency in the justice sector....Read more

Consultation for the European Commission's 2021 Annual Report on Albania   

The Delegation of the European Union in Albania, during the second trimester of the year has started preparing the Annual Report 2021 on Albania. As in previous editions, they welcomed input from business organizations to obtain views on the topics covered in the report. The structure of the Albania 2021 Annual Report required for each of the criteria - political, economic and European standards (chapters), an evaluation of Albania's progress since June 2020...Read more

EU disbursed €90 million in macro-financial assistance to Albania   

During spring the European Commission has disbursed €90 million to Albania under its COVID-19 related macro-financial assistance (MFA) programme. Albania is the eight country to receive a disbursement from the €3 billion emergency MFA package for ten enlargement and neighborhood partners..Read more

No penalties shall apply until 1 January 2022 for incompliance with e-invoicing law requirements

The Albanian Government approved on 1 July 2021, the non-application of penalties until 1 January 2022 for incompliance with the e-invoicing law requirements. The decision taken by the Council of Ministers was approved through a normative act with immediate effect, published in the official gazette...Read more

Vodafone Albania announced leadership changes 

Vodafone Albania announced that after 4 successful years as CEO, Mr. Achilleas Kanaris has concluded his assignment in the country to take leadership as Vodafone Romania CEO.  He will be succeeded by Mrs. Katia Stathaki, as the first lady appointed as CEO of Vodafone Albania. Starting July 1st 2021 Mrs. Katia Stathaki will be the new CEO of Vodafone Albania. 

For more information please visit: www.vodafone.al

Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania is Awarded Best CSR Bank in Albania 2021 Global Banking Finance Review®

Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, part of Intesa Sanpaolo Group, has been awarded as BEST CSR BANK ALBANIA 2021 from the prestigious international magazine Global Banking Finance.

For more information please visit: www.intesasanpaolobank.al 

Fibank, the fastest growing bank in Albania

Fibank Albania managed to maintain stability and good financial results regardless of how difficult year 2020 was. The bank's performance indicators continued to follow the upward trend of recent years in profit, capitalization and liquidity. They continued lending and intensified our support for clients so as not to leave them in difficulty given the specifics of the situation. The real proof of our approach is the growth of the loan portfolio by about 20%, among the highest in the banking system.

For more information please visit: www.fibank.al

Membership to FIAA is open to all Foreign Investors, Representative companies and International Organizations working in Albania.

 Please contact us for further information!

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