AmCham held a working breakfast with U.S. Ambassador John Withers this month, discussing topics related to the crisis that has plagued the U.S. markets, the expectations for a possible impact on Albania, the situation in the country, business relations with banks and the role AmCham should play in the economic and social life of Albania. The AmCham board members at the meeting discussed issues stemming from the economic climate and its consequences in the United States and Albania. American markets are shrinking and businesses have had to deal with times that are no longer booming. And the impact of the crisis is now felt by ordinary Americans. Speaking about the challenges Albania faces in light of the economic crisis and the upcoming elections, Ms. Faber explained that a series of changes in fiscal policies and administrative reforms undertaken by the government have found the tax administration unprepared, increasing business costs even further at a time of crisis. Ambassador Withers praised in particular the work commitment of women, recalling that the establishment of the 30 percent level of commitment to women in politics is an incentive to address as a factor that would brings a lot of changes in the Albanian society. The meeting with Ambassador Withers served to reinforce once again the spirit of cooperation that exists between the U.S. Embassy and AmCham in Albania. The AmCham board asked the ambassador for concrete help for the organization of all matters handled by the U.S. Embassy as well as for engaging AmCham in the Millennium Challenge project. The ambassador said these avenues of cooperation should continue in the future.