Investment Council Main News, October – December 2024
- December 31, 2024
Survey Findings: Perspective of the Banking System on MSME Financing
1 October 2024
Survey Findings: Perspective of the Microfinance on MSME Financing
1 October 2024
Survey Findings: Business Perspective on Access to Finance
1 October 2024
Focus Group: “On Improving Business Financing Instruments”
18 October 2024
Open Consultation of Durana Tech Park Development Plan
30 October 2024
The Investment Council Meeting: Improving Access to Finance for MSMEs
12 November 2024
The Investment Council (IC) held its third meeting of 2024 under the leadership of the Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Mr Blendi Gonxhja. The discussions focused on addressing the challenges that prevent Albanian enterprises from gaining better access to finance. In his opening remarks, Minister Gonxhja emphasised the essential role of MSMEs in the country’s economic development and outlined several government initiatives, including grant programs through AIDA, sovereign guarantee schemes, a new law aimed at facilitating access to basic payment accounts, and Albania’s integration into SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area).
Business representatives underscored the need for financial products tailored to specific sectors, including those designed for women entrepreneurs. They also highlighted challenges such as high interest rates, strict collateral requirements, and the lack of formalisation in key sectors like tourism and agriculture.
Technical Note: On the Improvement of Financing Instruments
17 December 2024
Contribution to the Global Entrepreneurship Week
18-21 November 2024
During the Global Entrepreneurship Week, the IC Secretariat contributed to several key events.
- 18 November: At the workshop organised by MEKI/CEI/SEECP, the Secretariat presented key findings and recommendations from the Investment Council regarding key public reforms, such as the legal security of property, cadastre issues, investment potential optimisation, and the alignment of the legal framework with foreign investment policies.
- 19 November: During the presentation of the Business Environment Survey 2024, organised by several business associations in the country (FIAA, Confindustria Albania, CCIA, HBAA), the Secretariat highlighted the importance of systemic and comprehensive recommendations from the private sector to enhance the business climate.
- 20 November: At the event organised by Epoka University on Circular Economy, the Secretariat emphasised the significance of educational practices in this field and the role of the local private sector in aligning green, smart, and digital solutions with EU reforms. As part of the discussion, the Secretariat presented real-life examples of local businesses adapting to these changes based on productivity and EU market access analyses conducted by the Secretariat.
- 21 November: During a panel organised by the World Bank and IFC on innovative financing for startups and MSMEs, the Secretariat shared business perspectives and evidence regarding local competition in financial markets, financial product innovation, and the strengthening of MSME capacities.
Participation in other events
December 2024
The 2024 Business Forum, “Raise the Challenge,” organised by the Albanian Investment Corporation on 5 December, provided a platform for cooperation among policymakers, investors, businesses, and experts to discuss economic development through investment, innovation, and public-private partnerships. At this event, the Secretariat of the Investment Council emphasised the importance of an inclusive dialogue and the acceleration of reforms related to the cadastre and registration of state property, considering these as vital for boosting investor confidence. Additionally, the Secretariat highlighted the significance of aligning new projects with the objectives of a green and digital economy.
On 13 December, during the Closing Ceremony of Integrity Week, organised by the Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, the Secretariat underscored the importance of building trust by creating strong institutions and offering transparent, sustainable services to businesses. This was in reference to the IC analyses, particularly regarding important services such as inspections, taxes, and customs.
Furthermore, on 19 December, during the event on initiating the monitoring of integration progress and the Growth Plan, organised by CDI in cooperation with the Dutch Embassy, the Secretariat emphasised the importance of civic engagement in this unique process. The Secretariat also highlighted IC’s role in fostering cooperation with the private sector, based on the experience from 2015-2025, as well as strengthening the collaboration between the government and civil society to ensure an efficient process with clear objectives.
Assessment from the Investment Council Members and Associates 2024
30 December 2024
The report presents an assessment by some members and associates of the Investment Council regarding its role in enhancing the business climate and promoting good governance. Based on the responses from the participants, the report highlights that the Investment Council continues to be recognised as a credible and efficient platform for political dialogue. Notably, 88% of respondents believe that the Council has played an important role in encouraging public institutions to address the needs and concerns of the private sector.
SECRETARIAT'S RECENT PUBLICATIONS

The Perspective of the Banking System on MSME Financing
Survey Findings

The Perspective of the Microfinance on MSME Financing
Survey Findings

Business Perspective on Access to Finance
Survey Findings

On the Improvement of Financing Instruments
Matrix of Recommendations

On the Improvement of Financing Instruments
PPT Presentation
INVESTMENT COUNCIL’S MENTIONING IN THE MEDIA

ABC News, 24 December 2024
Banks Increase Lending: Investment Council Reports Businesses Are Taking Out Loans to Expand Operations
ABOUT ALBANIA INVESTMENT COUNCIL
The Investment Council is a platform set up by the Albanian authorities with support from the EBRD and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to intensify dialogue between the government and the private sector, improve the business climate, and promote good governance.