E-Newsletter, Q3-2016

October 2016

Dear Reader!

We are pleased to share with you the third edition of 2016 FIAA  e-Newsletter. 

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

FIAA opposes returning of compulsory membership in the Chambers of Commerce and Industry

FIAA, as a representative of the foreign business community in the country has recently expressed its concerns related to the amendment of the law for Chambers of Commerce and Industry which the Albanian Parliament approved during the parliamentary session of September 29th. This legal amendment restores compulsory membership of business to the Chambers and a payment of the annual quota for all ... Read more

Roundtable on New Renewable Energy Draft Law

Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA), jointly with the Albanian Association of Renewable Energy (AREA), the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of France-Albanie, organized in late September a roundtable dedicated to the new normative framework of renewable energy. Present were the Ambassadors of Italy and France, representatives of the Austrian Embassy....Read more

Meeting with the Representative of DG ECFIN

The European Commission is in process of preparation of the Country’s Annual Report for Albania. In this regard, FIAA as key stakeholder in the business environment of Albania has met with various representatives from DG ECFIN (Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs) to specifically discuss on recent developments in the economic criteria of the country. FIAA has admitted the progress in different ... Read more

FIAA meets with Journalists and Business Associations from Europe

Particip GmbH is carrying out a project on behalf of European Commission’s DG NEAR, with purpose informing the public in EU member states about the progress that countries who are candidates and potential candidates for EU membership are making in fundamental areas, such as fight against corruption and organized crime, economic development etc. In this course, there have been organized in Albania two study visits...Read more

“Banks for Society” – Promotion of CSR Report 2015

The Association of Albanian Banks published the 2nd edition of “CSR Report 2015 – Banks for Society”. This publication aims to present the activities of banks in the context of CSR according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015 by the United Nations, 15 of which are classified as social activities undertaken by banks, although the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted on 25 September 2015. Only in...Read more

Access to Financial Services in Agriculture focus of 7th Meeting of the Investment Council

The Investment Council (IC) held on September 29th its regular meeting. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Economic Development and attended by the Minister of Agriculture, as well as a group of representatives from agribusiness associations and related donors. In her opening word, Minister Ekonomi highlighted the measures undertaken by the Government towards the improvement of the business climate... Read more

South East Europe Regular Economic Report

The World Bank in Albania has presented last month “South East Europe Regular Economic Report “ a bi-annual report series on recent economic developments and economic policies in South Eastern Europe (SEE6: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). The report looks at the economic performance and outlook for the SEE region and specific factors that affect the growth... Read more

Statkraft inaugurated the Opening of the Banja Hydropower Plant

Statkraft officially opened its first hydropower plant in Albania, on 23 September 2016. Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally, and Banja HPP is the first of two power plants being constructed as part of the Devoll hydropower project. The Devoll project is the single largest foreign investment in Albania. Statkraft has been present in Albania since 2007, and the Devoll Hydropower agreement was ratified by the Albanian Parliament in 2009. The project consists of two hydropower plants, Banja and Moglicë, the latter is expected to be completed in 2018/2019. 

For more information please visit: www.devollhydropower.al

One Life, Free Healthcare from Telekom Albania

From September 15th, customers of Telekom Albania can benefit One Life! Partnering with the best private hospitals, Telekom Albania gives its customers the opportunity of a more healthy living just by registering at any store of the company and recharging their Telekom number. The one year of Telekom Albania into the big Magenta family has further consolidated the company’s position as the provider with the most trustworthy and 4G best certified network and excellent customer experience in the country. 

For more information please visit:  www.telekom.com.al

ProCredit Bank Albania joins Albania Agribusiness Support Facility

ProCredit Bank Albania has become the first financial institution in Albania to receive a €15 million risk participation facility under the new Albania Agribusiness Support Facility. The facility is an innovative product that will enable ProCredit Bank Albania to expand its lending to Albanian agribusinesses by supporting financing of up to €30 million equivalent in local and foreign currency. ProCredit Bank Albania is a mid-sized bank with a leading position in lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural clients. 

For more information please visit: www.procreditbank.com.al

NOVOMATIC Group becomes 100% shareholder of Lotaria Kombetare sh.p.k

The Albanian National Lottery (Lotaria Kombetare sh.p.k), is now owned by NOVOMATIC, the Europe’s leading Gaming Technology Group. The finalization of this transaction is ongoing and is subject to approvals from the respective Albanian Authorities. With NOVOMATIC, Lotaria Kombetare will have a strong and stable shareholder that will bring extensive expertise and know how in the games of chance industry and will contribute to the further success of Lotaria Kombetare.

For more information please visit: www.lotaria.al

 INTERVIEWS   

Interview with Mrs. Laura QORLAZJA - IFC’s Country Representative in Albania

“It is important that state institutions play a greater role in creating a business environment able to retain current investments and attract new ones”

Interview with Mr. Tom Kristian Larsen - CEO of Devoll Hydropower Sh.A

“Albania needs greater trust in law and order”

Keeping up on fighting corruption concern

Vodafone celebrates the 15th anniversary in the Albanian market

In August 3rd 2016, Vodafone Albania marked its 15th anniversary of the first phone call on Vodafone Albania’s network. Vodafone, one of the worlds’ leading Telecommunication Company joined Albania to its global network by launching 15 years ago its GSM services in the country. 15 years from that day, Vodafone Albania is the number one choice of Albanians and counts more than 2.3 million customers who trust their communication needs to Vodafone. In 15 years journey, Vodafone has been a pioneer in bringing benefits of the mobile and digital revolution to the country, being the first to launch its services of 3G, 4G/4G+network and also the driving force behind the development of the mobile industry in Albania.

For more information please visit: www.vodafone.al

Tirana Bank computes its 20th anniversary in Albania

Tirana Bank, member of Piraeus Bank Group in Greece with 100 years of experience, has started its operation in Albania in September 1996 as the first Bank with private capital in the country. Tirana Bank serves a wide range of clients with individual needs and goals and it will continue to always give to customers more than expected, helping new enterprises succeed and grow, accelerating economic development and financing community projects that create a better quality of life for people.

For more information please visit: www.tiranabank.al

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

 Please contact us for further information!