Ibrahimaj: New mechanism for screening foreign investments strengthens economic security and investor confidence
The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, participated in the activity "Albania's Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework", organized by AmCham Albania, in collaboration with the Center for International Private Enterprise.
The activity brought together representatives of state institutions, the business community, local and foreign investors, international organizations, the diplomatic corps and experts in the field, to present the Albanian Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework (FDI Screening Framework), a new instrument that aims to strengthen the country's economic security and protect strategic sectors.
In her speech, Minister Ibrahimaj emphasized that the creation of this mechanism is the result of long-term institutional work and cooperation with international partners, within the framework of the European integration process.
"For more than two years, we have been working to establish this mechanism, in cooperation with our international partners and in accordance with European Union standards. This is an important step in strengthening state instruments in the function of economic security, transparency and protection of the country's strategic interests," she said.
The Minister noted that the mechanism does not constitute a barrier to investment, but a consolidated practice that has been implemented for years in European Union countries and developed economies.
"This mechanism does not create obstacles for business nor unnecessary administrative procedures. On the contrary, it guarantees more security, more transparency and a more reliable environment for serious investors who choose Albania to invest," Ibrahimaj said.
During the event, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Albania, Nancy VanHorn, described the Albanian framework for screening foreign direct investments as an important development, emphasizing that it is not simply a bureaucratic exercise, but a strategic statement that shows that Albania is open to investment, while simultaneously protecting the national interest and meeting international standards.
VanHorn noted that investors, including American ones, are closely following this process and that American companies are present in sectors such as energy, construction and technology, while others are considering investing in Albania. According to her, investors are looking for clear rules, a level playing field and protection of strategic sectors.
She emphasized that the adoption of the legal framework is just the beginning and that its implementation will be crucial for the success of the mechanism, underlining that the United States will continue to support Albania throughout this process.
Addressing the business community, VanHorn emphasized that investment screening mechanisms aim to create an environment with predictable rules and consistent implementation, encouraging long-term and quality investments.
Minister Ibrahimaj also praised the positive performance of the Albanian economy and the continuous growth of foreign direct investments, which last year reached over 1.6 billion euros.
"Foreign direct investments are an important indicator of the confidence that investors have in our economy. They contribute not only to economic growth, but also to the transfer of the best standards of management, technology and business development. For this reason, it is important that Albania continues to remain an open and competitive economy, while at the same time strengthening the capacities to protect its strategic interests," she stated.
Minister Ibrahimaj thanked institutional partners and the business community for their contribution to the design and promotion of the new mechanism, underlining that the dialogue with the private sector will continue in the implementation phase.
"Our objective remains unchanged: to build stronger institutions, increase the competitiveness of the economy, and guarantee an increasingly transparent and attractive business climate for quality investments," declared Minister Ibrahimaj.
AmCham Albania Executive Director, Mr. Neritan Mullaj, stressed the importance of creating modern mechanisms that guarantee economic security and a stable environment for investors, emphasizing that the framework does not aim to restrict investments. It is a regulatory tool to ensure an environment with clear and transparent rules, predictable procedures for international investors and institutions capable of maintaining the balance between openness to investment and protection of the country's strategic interests, thereby strengthening public confidence. The message that long-term investments go where there is transparency, predictability and reliable institutions was also confirmed during the recent mission of the American Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC
This was also emphasized by the President of the American Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Grant Van Cleve, who assessed that the investment screening mechanism has been a process in which AmCham has long been invested and was finalized thanks to cooperation with local and international partners.
A presentation of the regulation, what it represents and how it will be implemented, was made by Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation, Enkelejd Musabelliu, who then joined a panel with Ms. Albana Karapanço, Chair of the AmCham Albania Legal Committee, and Mr. Adrian Shehu, Chair of the Investment Committee, to share their reflections and expectations regarding the implementation of the new mechanism.
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