American Chamber of Commerce in Albania

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AMCHAM ALBANIA

amcham albania

The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania is a private business promotion and development …

AmCham speaks with the Executive Director of AIDA on the foreign investments in Albania AIDA is the first government website/portal that aims to introduce Albania to Foreign Investors. AmCham understands the importance of this service and today held a meeting that introduced the Executive Director of AIDA, Mr. Sokol Nano with the representatives of the Board of AmCham and the Investment & Trade Committee. The meeting focused on the best ways of cooperation between AmCham Albania and AIDA to create a clear vision of the current situation and the necessary steps investors who want to invest in Albania need to take. In addition, part of the discussion was the need for support in terms of information provided and the implementation of existing procedures. Mr. Enio Jaço, President of AmCham requested this cooperation to focus on the new unified investment law as a joint effort to finalize a law that strongly supports foreign and domestic investments, as well as regional co-operation that helps with the development of a unified market for investors. This was a constructive meeting that touched on the fundamental issues that investors go through today and the specifics of AIDA’s strategic investments, including the work that AIDA has done so far towards this goal. Mr. Sokol Nano emphasized important strategic projects in tourism and the role of their development over the next ten years as well as the premise for sustainable development in the fasonery and automotive industries. The Director of Investments of AIDA Mr. Genc Çeli, who was present at the meeting, explained to the AmCham representatives the work that AIDA is doing based on the current Law on Strategic Investments, the current restructuring of AIDA and the online portal being opened, as well as the role of AIDA in the regional co-operation. Mr. Çeli explained that there will not be a common law for the regional countries that will unify a regional market, but every country will create coordinated laws and procedures that will facilitate this cooperation. The Chair of the Investment and Trade Committee, Mr. Adrian Shehu focused his speech at the importance of the creation of a unified platform with AIDA, given that AmCham and AIDA have a common purpose based on their engagement and activities that aim to increase foreign investments in the country.

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05/06/2019

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AmCham met with members of the Cabinet of Congressmen and Senators and the Foreign Relations Commission A delegation composed of members of the cabinet of Congressmen and Senators and the Foreign Relations Commissions of the two chambers of the American Congress, accompanied by Damon Wilson, executive vice president at the Atlantic Council, were visiting some of the major cities of the Region, Pristina, Tirana, Belgrade and Budva. During their time spent in Tirana they had a meeting with senior members of AmCham, President Mr. Enio Jaco, the Board and the Executive Director, to exchange views on the current business climate and potential American trade in the region. The tour was organized by the ‘Balkans Forward Congressional Fellowship‘ an Atlantic Council’s Future Europe Initiative (FEI) and is designed to deepen the expertise and networks of eligible United States congressional staff in Member offices and on congressional committees. This program aims to create and develop the network of Balkan Affairs experts within the US Congress. The planned visit aims to increase knowledge and close recognition of the reality in the region, the challenges and opportunities of each country, so that these experts are as well informed as possible to assist lawmakers in drafting policies for the region to promote Constant US constructive engagement in the Western Balkans.

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28/05/2019

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24/05/2019

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American Chamber of Commerce organizes Business Forum on Property Issues: A Unified Document on Business Issues that require solutions The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania organized a Business Forum dedicated to property issues, current problematics, business expectations and potential solutions. AmCham President, Mr. Enio Jaco, General Director of State Agency of Cadaster, Mr. Artan Lame, Chairman of Regulatory, Legal & IPR Committee, Mr. Kledi Kodra, and a large representation of AmCham members as banks, telecommunication businesses and representatives of the Investment Council were present at the event. AmCham President, Mr. Enio Jaco opened the forum by pointing out the importance of a better doing business climate for foreign investors, especially in property registration and rights enforcement as a key issue that investors are facing. “Property registration is a sensitive issue for AmCham. It is not only one of the five top priorities of AmCham Business Agenda, but also part of regular lobbying efforts of the Regulatory Affairs & IPR Committee. Experts in both Regulatory, Legal & IPR and Tax & Customs Committees worked intensively in preparing a document for the investment Council on key issues the businesses seek solutions. We believe that by joining efforts and arguments, we will become more influential in bringing a definitive and sustainable solution to the current property situation, “stated Mr. Jaco. During his speech, the General Director of the State Agency of Cadaster, Mr. Artan Lame introduced the measures that the institution is undertaking to address property issues, emphasizing the need for a system reform. “The first step is the unification of institutions and legislation as one in order to address property issues; second step is the termination of transitional processes involving legalization, property restitution and the remittance of the everlasting ownership process that is the property sale-purchase process and ownership transfer. Draft Law “On the Treatment of Property and Finalization of the Process of Compensation of Property” is currently in discussion in the Parliament. The third step is the fundamental reformation of the Immovable Property Registration Office, which means reforming its systems and digital mapping reform. AmCham members addressed important issues affecting their business operations, such as deadlines for initial registration for land plots, functioning of Land Distribution Commissions, suspension of property registration at the seaside, launch of the investment fund for strategic areas and projects, and property tax application with 2019 as implementation date. American Chamber of Commerce and the State Agency of Cadaster agreed to establish a priority service to serve AmCham members or similar Chambers on common problematics. In addition, AmCham recommendations sent to the Investment Council will pass to the State Agency of Cadaster for further evaluation.

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22/05/2019

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What to know while planning to invest in Albania? AmCham Meets with Largest Global Law Firm to Explore Foreign Investments in Albania Two senior partners Mr. Perry Zizi, Mr. Oren Harpaz from the international law firm Dentons, the largest law firm in the world and Mr. Martyn Birchall, owner of a company focused toward developing corporate governance programmes in the CEE region, met with senior representatives of AmCham on May 15th. The Dentons partners are visiting Albania to explore investment opportunities on behalf of Romanian investors and other international investors represented by the group. The discussion focused on overall business and investment climate in Albania as well as legislative framework and priority sectors. AmCham representatives included its President, the Chair of Investment and Trade Committee and several Board Members. Representatives of Dentons, discussed procedures and permits to invest on strategic sectorial projects, government incentives to attract foreign investments and the urge to reform the judicial system and courts that will monitor a fair market of doing business. The President of AmCham, Mr. Enio Jaco emphasized that ‘Albania represents high value potential opportunity, unexplored yet in the sectors of Agriculture and Tourism. It also offers competitive labor costs in areas like manufacturing, mining etc’. While the investment framework remains ‘work-in-progress’ and is not yet fully established, serious efforts to explore the system has often materialized for investors. AmCham suggested that many qualified members would be excellent partners for Dentons in the investment process. Representatives from both organizations agreed on next steps to continue their collaborations and explore specific investments.

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20/05/2019

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13/05/2019

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UN Resident Coordinator in Tirana, Mr. Brian William and Mr Daniel Berg, who is supporting UN Albania to develop the Resource Mobilization Strategy, met with several members of AmCham Albania. UN representatives introduced to AmCham the Sustainable Development Goals and specific objective of private sector engagement and contribution to achieve goals and develop Albania by relying on its own strengths and capitals. The Resource Mobilization and Partnership Strategy will be an operational tool built upon the assessment of comparative advantage of the UN, synergies of current and potential partnerships as well as to identify opportunities arising from non-traditional sources of funding including blended finance, relevant alternative financing sources in the country in achieving the SDGs. While Albania has been assisted by donor organizations with funding on various development projects, it has become crucial and necessary to focus on domestic resources for long-term development. Albania has the potential and capacities on funds generated by domestic and foreign businesses operating in the country. AmCham members discussed with senior UN officials on how they perceive their engagement in development projects in environment, health and education issues and what they would like to change in economic policies and enforced laws. Sectorial and fiscal incentives, more liberalizing governmental policies would facilitate private sector engagement through CSR projects. The successful implementation of the judicial reform will increase transparency and reduce corruption, as a fundamental element in achieving sustainable development. AmCham representatives emphasized that in order for the private sector to embrace UN sustainable goals, the right business incentives must be developed and enforced. AmCham President, Mr. Enio Jaco stated that AmCham is interested in collaborating with UN and other like-minded organizations to advocate for tax incentives with the government. AmCham President emphasized that an effective capacity building program to better educate members with economic benefits of UN sustainable goals is very important.

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10/05/2019

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A group of senior executives from the American Chamber of Commerce met with Brock Bierman, USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, at a working dinner on May 5. The meeting focused on USAID’s future strategies in Albania. Mr. Bierman explained the new strategic role that USAID will play to support Albania on its journey to self-reliance and the importance of private sector engagement in this process. Participants discussed how continuing to build capacity of the professional workforce can play a significant role in Albania’s next development phase. AmCham President, Mr. Enio Jaço, emphasized that AmCham is ready to partner with USAID to support this effort.

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08/05/2019

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The President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania, Mr. Enio Jaço was guest of honor at the Annual Conference on International IP Day organized by the General Directorate of Intellectual Property. “Intellectual Property and Sports – To Achieve the Best” was IP Day slogan that brought together the Minister of Finances and Economy, Minister of Culture, Deputy Mission Director of the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation, as well as artists and sportspeople, who work together to strengthen the legal framework that intellectual property rights. During his speech, AmCham President, emphasized the continuous work the business community is doing on IP rights protection, Mr. Jaço stated: ‘The main issue that our members face in Albania is that of fake, counterfeit, piracy and illicit trade in general. These are issues that seriously affect our members. BSA Global Software Survey which estimates the volume and value of unlicensed software installed on personal computers, and reveals attitudes and behaviors related to intellectual property and emerging technologies, shows that Albania ranks at 73%. IT industries estimate a $240M loss from $80M sales volume – coming from piracy, fake products or brands. This is unfair – imagine how big a global company can feel when products from only 10 products are paid through licenses but five are stolen. This is also illegal. AmCham members are systematically faced with fake products, trading of unlicensed products and products entering the market illegally. All three of these forms are serious breaches of the international business norms in a country that is working to open negotiations with the European Union. AmCham Business Index for 2018 reflects a slight increase of 2,19 % on IP situation in Albania – moving from 45.24 % in 2017 to 47.43 % in 2018. However, there is still much work forward to reduce the losses from piracy and fake products for market industries. AmCham will focus on the improvement of the IPR situation in the country, by developing the inter-institutional dialogue, empowering the market monitoring inspectors and increasing awareness on law enforcement. In specific, AmCham will undertake action in: 1. Creating Stakeholders Group on IP rights as the first step forward. Key line institutions, responsible for implementing and monitoring IP rights, will meet and discuss on a regular basis challenges affecting the IP community and undertake legal actions for improvement. 2. Collaborating strongly with Customs on preventing piracy and fake products entering the market. Regular awareness activities on customs legislations, trademarks and patents registration and how to identify fake products will be conducted. 3. Focusing on market inspection as AmCham priority for 2019 – Efforts and lobbying actions will be presented in the Annual AmCham Conference on “Market Inspection and Operation of Inspectorates” 4. Ensuring strong collaboration with Industrial Directorate to fight IP law infringements. Better harmonization of all these elements creates a better working climate for businesses, a guarantee for investors, a better IP situation and therefore makes Albania more attractive for foreign investments.

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03/05/2019

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“Standing Together on IP Rights” Roundtable Mr. Kledi Kodra, Chairman of the Legal, Regulatory & IPR Committee spoke about the work done so far to follow up the protection of intellectual rights from Customs Directorate, which is the gateway to the domestic market, to market inspections and the right implementation of Copyright. “Activating the stakeholders group as an opportunity to clearly address all members issues that will help AmCham to find the right channels to handle these issues,” said Mr. Kodra.

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26/04/2019

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“Standing Together on IP Rights” Roundtable Director of Industrial Property Directorate, Mr. Elvin Lako explained in high level how the Directorate functions in registering and controlling trademarks and patents in Albania, both from the legal and practical point of view. ‘’We have conducted individual visits in every business and enterprise to explain the registration of trademarks and patents and the obligations and rights deriving from the Law are a way of institutional cooperation,” – stated Mr. Lako.

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26/04/2019

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“Standing Together on IP Rights” Roundtable Mr. Enio Jaço President of AmCham Albania “AmCham will focus on strengthening lobbying efforts for the improvement of the legal framework that protects industrial property rights, mainly on Market Inspection Law, cooperation with the National Food Authority Inspectorate, as one of the Inspectorates that broadly monitors the market and controls business operations in the market.”

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26/04/2019

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