<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChallenge<\/strong>: The Balkan countries, including Albania, are still working on simplifying bureaucratic and administrative procedures.Mitigation Strategy<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Working with experienced local consultants to navigate administrative complexities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Taking advantage of the support services offered by investment promotion agencies, such as AIDA in Albania<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Actively participate in public-private dialogue forums to contribute to improving the business climate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2. Developing Infrastructure<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChallenge<\/strong>: Despite improvements, some areas in the Balkans and Albania still need significant infrastructure investments.Mitigation Strategy<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Focus on projects that include the development of supporting infrastructure, taking advantage of EIB funding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Working with local authorities to identify innovative solutions to infrastructural deficiencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consider the use of advanced technologies to overcome infrastructural limitations, such as satellite connectivity solutions or drones for logistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3. Regional Competition for Investment<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChallenge<\/strong>: Balkan countries compete with each other to attract FDI, which can lead to a 'race to the bottom' in terms of incentives.Mitigation Strategy<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Focus on the unique competitive advantages of each country, such as Albania's strategic position for access to European markets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Develop projects that promote regional cooperation, in line with the EIB's priorities for regional integration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exploiting the opportunities offered by EU-funded cross-border cooperation programmes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Key Sectors for FDI in the Balkans and Albania in 2025<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBased on current trends and future projections, the following sectors look particularly promising for FDI in the Balkans, with a specific focus on Albania, in 2025:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>1. Tourism and Hospitality<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Opportunities: Development of high quality accommodation, sustainable tourism, enhancement of cultural heritage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strategy: Working with the EIB on sustainable tourism projects, exploiting the potential of the Albanian Adriatic coast<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2. Agriculture and Agribusiness<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Opportunities: Modernisation of agricultural techniques, organic production, food processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strategy: Focus on projects that increase productivity and local added value, in line with EIB priorities for rural development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3. Renewable Energies<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Opportunities: Hydropower, solar and wind projects, energy efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strategy: Participate in EIB tenders for large energy projects, offer innovative solutions for grid integration of renewables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>4. ICT and Digital Services<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Opportunities: Software development, IT outsourcing services, digital innovation centres<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strategy: Leveraging local IT talent in Albania to create technology hubs, collaborating with EIB digitisation initiatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>5. Light and Textile Manufacturing<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Opportunity: Production of high-quality clothing and footwear, nearshoring for the European market<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strategy: Investing in advanced production technologies, workforce training, and sustainability, aligning with EIB goals for competitive industry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Strategies for Maximising FDI Success in the Balkans and Albania<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor companies planning to invest or expand their operations in the Balkans, with a focus on Albania, in 2025, we recommend the following strategies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Regional Approach with Local Focus<\/strong>Consider the Balkans as an integrated regional market, but adapt strategies to the specificities of each country, especially Albania.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strategic Partnerships<\/strong>Establish strong partnerships with local companies and academic institutions to access local expertise and networks, facilitating integration into the economic fabric of the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exploiting EIB Resources and other MDBs<\/strong>: Actively utilise financing and support opportunities offered by the EIB and other development banks by participating in tenders and funded projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Innovation and Sustainability<\/strong>Align investment projects with the sustainable development and digital innovation objectives promoted by the EIB, positioning itself as a leader in the region's green and digital transition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Training and Human Capital Development<\/strong>Investing in the training of local staff, contributing to the development of advanced skills and the creation of added value in the long term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Engagement with Institutions<\/strong>Maintaining a constant dialogue with local and regional institutions, actively contributing to improving the investment climate in the Balkans and Albania.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n