Investment Council Albania (EBRD)

Until 30 years ago, Albania was completely isolated from the rest of the world. Literally all economic activity was controlled by the communist regime under Enver Hoxha. Only since the fall of communism in 1991, Albania has set itself on a promising path towards a pluralist democracy. However, the country still struggles with the comparably fast transition from a state-led economy without private property towards a liberal and market-based growth model. The development of effective economic institutions is key to build trust between the Government and the still infant private sector and to advance Albania's economic transition process.

Contribute to effective pro-growth policies by building trust between key stakeholders in the economic domain through the institutionalization of a transparent, fact-based dialogue between the Government and the private sector. Facilitate the entire regulatory process from the conceptualization of new regulation, to the discussion of draft laws, on to tackling challenges with implementation.

A regular, facts-based dialogue between the public- and the private sector builds mutual trust between key stakeholders and strengthens Albania’s economic institutions.

Albania's economic policy gradually becomes more transparent, effective and balanced. It thereby contributes to Albania's transition process towards a modern, market-based economy.

Risultati principali attesi:  

Analytical work: The secretariat undertakes studies on issues related to Albania’s investment climate contributing to facts-based discussions.

Agenda setting: The secretariat prepares annual work-plans on behalf of the IC to structure policy dialogue.

Advocacy: The secretariat puts forward proposals on investment climate reforms for endorsement by the Council.

Stakeholder engagement: The secretariat organises consultative and Focus Groups meetings in order to promote balanced regulation.

Results measurement database: The secretariat maintains a database on the IC recommendations- relevant legislative framework impacted- authorities in charge- and level of implementation.

Reform follow-up: The Council's key recommendations are endorsed and implemented.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

The Albania Investment Council has been inaugurated in 2015 (without SECO funding). Since then, the Council has developed into a visible, well-established and recognized exchange platform for business related policy dialogue in Albania. It receives positive feedback from the business community and from Government as well as from EBRD's Evaluation Department. Furthermore, in its first three years of operation the Council has contributed to the national reform process in the area of tax policy, public consultation processes for legal acts, customs procedures, the anti-informality agenda, and more. More quantitatively speaking the IC has proposed about 100 recommendations of which 25 have been implemented and 15 are currently under consideration. A high number of website visitors (ca. 18’000), 56% of which returning, speak to the good visibility of the Council.

Fase 1 01.01.2019 - 31.12.2022   (Completed)