Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening mechanism will strengthen economic security and increase investor confidence.
She made the remarks during the event “Albania’s Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework,” organized by AmCham Albania in cooperation with Center for International Private Enterprise.
The event brought together government representatives, business leaders, domestic and foreign investors, international organizations, diplomats, and experts. Together, they presented Albania’s new FDI Screening Framework, a tool designed to protect strategic sectors and reinforce national economic security.
First, Minister Ibrahimaj stressed that the mechanism results from extensive institutional work. She also highlighted close cooperation with international partners within the EU integration process.
She explained that the government has worked on the framework for more than two years. In addition, she said Albania developed it in line with European Union standards. As a result, she described it as an important step toward stronger economic security, transparency, and protection of national strategic interests.
Importantly, Ibrahimaj clarified that the mechanism does not block investment. Instead, it follows international practice used in EU member states and advanced economies. Therefore, it strengthens trust rather than creating barriers.
Furthermore, she emphasized that the framework will improve transparency and provide a more reliable environment for serious investors. At the same time, she said Albania will remain an open and competitive economy while protecting its strategic interests.
Ibrahimaj also pointed to Albania’s positive economic performance. Specifically, she noted that foreign direct investment exceeded €1.6 billion last year. According to her, FDI reflects investor confidence and supports economic growth.
Moreover, she said foreign investment brings more than capital. It also introduces better management standards, advanced technology, and business development practices. For this reason, she stressed the importance of maintaining openness while strengthening institutional capacity.
Finally, she thanked institutional partners and the business community for their contribution to developing the new mechanism. She added that dialogue with the private sector will continue during the implementation phase.
“Our goal remains unchanged,” she said. “We will build stronger institutions, increase competitiveness, and ensure a more transparent and attractive business climate for quality investment.”
AmCham Albania Executive Director Neritan Mullaj also supported the initiative. He said modern mechanisms are essential for ensuring economic security and stability. He added that the framework does not aim to restrict investment.
Instead, he explained that it creates clear and predictable rules, strengthens transparency, and improves institutional balance between openness and protection of strategic interests.
He also noted that long-term investments flow to countries with transparency and strong institutions, a message reinforced during AmCham’s recent mission to Washington, D.C.
Similarly, AmCham Albania President Grant Van Cleve praised the initiative. He said the screening mechanism reflects long-standing cooperation and was completed through close partnership with local and international stakeholders.
Finally, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Enkelejd Musabelliu presented the regulation in detail and joined a panel discussion with legal and investment representatives on its implementation and expectations.
/a.c/
The post Ibrahimaj: New Foreign Investment Screening Mechanism Strengthens Economic Security and Investor Confidence appeared first on RTSH English.
