Question 1: What is your impression of the current business environment in Albania? How do you see the growth this year and the following years? Answer:We have introduced a new economic model that focuses on production and sectors with real growth potential. These new drivers of growth will move the economy forward in a sustainable way. The lessons of the past are that relying on the same sectors over decades may slow down growth right when you need it during a crisis. As such, our model of economic growth is based not only on sectors that have developed under capacity but also on expanding to new levels in each sector. We focus strongly on the next phase of growth as we improve present performance. There is focus on professional learning and innovation, so that we can draw full advantage of our youth in economic growth terms. The 2015 was a consolidation year when we established the basis for future growth, mechanisms like the new law on PPPs and the law on Economic Development Zones, Low on strategic investment and low on Tourism. The end of 2016 has to be the year when some of the reforms and improvements will start to bring in returns with growth coming to around 5 per cent by 2017. The factors of economic growth will change as we get closer to Europe. The history of the countries that have gone through the process before us tells us that for a period of time the country will grow at high rates as it improves and nears to the EU. This will be an interesting and surely successful opportunity for the country, and especially for businesses here. Question 2 : How do you see the development of the tourism sector in Albania and what are the priorities of the government for the future? Answer: Tourism, sector priority of the economy "We in Albania have given priority to the development of tourism thinking that after we drafted a new law on tourism, will need to improve and to supplement it with other regulatory acts that have mainly related to the standardization of accommodation structures and guides operating in Albania " MZHETTS besides promotion that is paying attention and investment in this sector aims to FDI, through ideas that has for development, such as ideas "boutique resort" ideas marinas, or as ideas of adventure tourism and investment promotion and Albania. "For this we wanted to mobilize all national and international resources. Also, we want to mobilize and knowledge that is not only in Albania but also in the region” Are two priorities of the ministry in this moment: "the implementation of bylaws for the Law of tourism and tourism development plan" Now is the moment an organization in detailed the plan of action for the summer tourist season starting first from the cleaning of waste, disinfection of insects, guaranteeing the life of vacationers, the fight against informality of up to taking serious measures regarding statistics and tourism promotional materials. We will establish a unit within the Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship, which will stay in constant contact with Local Governments to monitor and simultaneously support the latter in connection with any issue that may have season and not only tourist. Question 3: How do you assess the performance of foreign investments in Albania and the importance they have on the economic development? Answer:Foreign investments have a great impact in small economies and their development, in terms to their contribution in production, employment, and increase in the standard of living. They are a key incentive in economic growth. Foreign direct investments flows in Albania have had a significant increase in the past years. The value of these flows in the year of 2015 have reached 881 million Euros, thus making a jump of 12 million Euros compared with the same period last year. making up 10.5% of the GDP. From this amount, approximately 44 % consisting of hydrocarbons that of energy by 10%, followed by the sector of banking and telecommunications 10% . According to the NRC by the end of 2015 resulting 10 560 foreign companies operating in Albania. 73% are foreign-owned companies and 30% are joint venture companies. Question 4: Which are the main Strategic sectors for trade and FDIs in Albania? Answer: The focus for the future development of the Albanian economy will remain on attracting FDIs with a focus on sectors where the Albanian economy has unexploited potential both in terms of natural resources as well as in developing sectors that are yet not performing to their full potential, such as renewable energy, tourism, agribusiness, infrastructure and services. Question 5: How do you expect free economic zones to impact foreign investment in Albania? Answer: We’ve been working with the Center for International Development at Harvard University, and are convinced that we can establish some of the best economic zones in Europe. We’ve just finalized a statute on technical and economic development areas to create conditions to attract young industries, industries with new technologies, and high value added industries. The three zones of development are Spitalle, in Vlore, and in Koplik. We are going to offer a number of incentives for investors, such as a 50% reduction in the tax rate for the first five years. The goal is to spur growth, increase employment, reward training as well as research and development, all with a view to creating a competitive work force and economy. Question 6: What are the measures reforms undertaken by the Albania for improving the business environment? Answer: Macro-economic reform The GoA has undertaken a new deep fiscal reform, which ensures that the word corruption is no longer associated with tax authorities. The new makro-economic reform ensures that the law is clear and fair for all, and that there is no favoritism and unfairness in the playing field.The deregulation initiative in its self, only within the fiscal package had 52 points for business facilitation, which were fiscal and procedural. Through the implementation of the macroeconomic reform and the fiscal stabilization, Albania is not part of the map of macroeconomic risk. The new Fiscal Package of 2014/15 brought significant changes in the tax policies, mainly in VAT and direct tax. Level of taxation 15 % - Corporate tax rate 20% - VAT 0% - 23 % - Personal tax rate 0% - 5%-Favorable tax system for Small Businesses
The energy sector has been a hurdle for public finances, and often an impossible one to the economy and this is why the GoA undertook restructuring measures for the proper functioning of the energy system. The Energy Reform has a double impact: the institutional impact & the market side, so the customer. The Energy reform intends an open, transparent & competitive market, also efficient as well which properly responds to the economic development. This reform protects the consumers and guarantees justice in payments. Institutionally, it is directly related to the new market model and as well as with the reforming of all actors involved in the electricity system.
The new Pension Reform guarantees a healthy financial system of pensions. It ensures transparency in the declaration of contributions and also provides clear and preferential schemes for the people who do not have sufficient contributions.
Through the new territorial division, this reform gives to the local government the opportunity to have more integrated development plans. The impact of a better management of the territory will certainly be the qualitative development of all the country
The Law of strategic investment gives the maximum legal guarantees for foreign investors. The Law is the founded upon two main elements: increasing contractual and judicial security of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship and the second is the adoption of a fast road or "fast track" procedures. The law encourages and supports domestic and foreign investment in sectors such as energy, mining, transport and infrastructure, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture, economic zones and priority development areas. This law foresees the establishment of the Strategic Investments Committee, as a collegial body of the Council of Ministers, which is headed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. The Committee has the right to take decisions on giving the status to investments as associated or specific strategic investments. AIDA is the responsible administrative structure for providing services to investors in a "unique window". AIDA performs the role of the assisting agent, and follows all the administrative procedures till the realization of the investment project.
The Law on Tourism provides us with a very competitive offer to foreign and domestic investors.
The new business reform aims the re-creation of a dialogue with the business community, something that has been started with the creation of the National Economic Council, a Council that is managed by the business community, but which functions in close relationship with the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Economic Development. Not only so that businesses may all denounce corruption, but also so that they can nominate problems, work on solutions and be partners in the drafting of legislation that relates to their sectors.
A second extension to the NEC, is the Investment Council, so that investors in Albania may take the place they deserve, as long term shareholders to the economic wellbeing of the country. （journaliste:haifen）  |
