28/10/2008

The Business roundtable with the Government of Albania organized by the Economist Group on October 28th, 2008 signed for the third time a successful and interesting event for all the participants. This high-level Business Roundtable continuous to be a unique opportunity for senior business people to engage in substantive discussion with all the relevant Albanian and Internationals decision-makers. In one day of off-the-record discussion, this conference brought under the same roof the Prime Minister, key Economic Ministers and Senior Corporate speakers of Albania. The interactive meeting moderated by experts from the Economist Group enabled Foreign Investors and local business leaders to enhance the international profile of a promising new economy.

• The Government’s priorities for the next 12-18 months.
• The government’s potentials to enhance the country’s profile within and outside the EU and to attract more foreign investments. 
• The plans to improve Albania’s infrastructure and boost its business climate.
• The ways that companies attract and retain the best talents.

• The government's plans for privatization.
• Changes realized from the government.

A very good turnout for the Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA), being the main Supporting Organization of this Conference for the third time, was a  highly increased participation of the active membership.
It is worth to mention that part of the panel of discussion with the Prime Minister of Albania Mr. Sali Berisha was Mr. Oliver Whittle, CEO of Raffeisen Bank, the biggest bank in Albania and the main sponsor of the event and as well a very important Board Member of FIAA who beside discussions upon the issues related with the government policies was there to question and answer about the FIAA issues as well. One of the main concerns of the foreign investors in Albania is the land registration reforms. Another Board Member of FIAA Mr. Sokol Elmazaj once again raised the question of the government policy for the “Royalties” in the Mining Industry.  Other  companies representing FIAA in the conference were: Albanian Chrome, Antea Cement,  Boga & Associates, Bankers Petroleum, Balkan Resources, Colliers, Comport , Eagle Mobile, Hygeia Hospital, Konsort, KPMG Albania, Ogilvy Albania, Porsche, Procredit Bank, Tirex Explorations, Tirana Bank and so many others.
As a networking forum, a learning event and a chance to refresh knowledge of this key south European marketplace, the Third Business Roundtable with the Government of Albania was without equal.