Matteo speaks Colangeli, EBRD Director for Albania
Country Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Matteo Colangeli, confessed in an exclusive interview for "Monitor" on issues related to the impact of the political situation on the business climate, the importance of a "Vetting" Regulation , strategic investment portfolio, but also to new shareholders rating Chinese airport "Mother Teresa". He adds that potential investments, or investors who are considering new projects or activities in Albania, the state will spend on "standby". They will wait a few months to see how we will go to elections and a new government to make decisions
Mr. Colangeli political situation currently going through Albania do you think will have an impact in terms of FDI?
In connection with foreign investment that are being implemented, such as TAP, if I can mention one of them, I believe that there will be an impact on progress. Such investments will continue their performance influenced by the political situation, but also by campaigns or elections.
Regarding potential investments or those investors who are considering projects or new activities in Albania believe they will go to state "waiting", will wait a few months to see how we will go to elections and a new government. It is possible that the division can make between investment in application and those that may come as potential.
In fact, some other Balkan countries are in a difficult political situation, do you think that climate can affect the decision of investors?
In view of the overall Balkans as a whole is an attractive region for foreign investors as long as it can be offered as such. Is the perception that the region is moving towards a more harmonized and market as a whole is more attractive to foreign investors. In this way, he is more likely to provide activity expansion into other markets and could turn into a "dealership" more interesting.
This is the direction that regional countries are attending the last years, in line with the EU integration processes.
Any deviation from this direction, clearly it would be bad news for investors. These are small countries become more attractive if they act as a single market. It is important that the process of integration of the Balkans continue.
In this context, Albania has a stable economy. Elections are a process that is common to democratic states. Country goes to these elections with a good macroeconomic framework, stable and growing.
Albania is progressing well, but it is part of the region and as an investor appreciates the opportunity to invest, it will undoubtedly take into account the whole situation.
Balkans
In view of the overall Balkans as a whole is an attractive region for foreign investors as long as it can be offered as such. Is the perception that the region is moving towards a more harmonized and market as a whole is more attractive to foreign investors. In this way, he is more likely to provide activity expansion into other markets and could turn into a "dealership" more interesting.
Do you have any advice for the Albanian government, based on the fact that we are on the verge campaign? Where should we be careful?
I think the government should continue to hold unchanged its priorities and continue to work on EU integration. In this context, the rule of law and judicial reforms are basic. Such are the very purpose they have for EU integration, but also as a guarantee for attracting investment. A transparent system, a fair judicial system are important elements, but the preconditions for growth.
EU integration
Rule of law and judicial reforms are basic. Such are the very purpose they have for EU integration, but also as a guarantee for attracting investment. A transparent system, a fair judicial system are important elements, but the preconditions for growth
Do we have a figure than can be EBRD's investments this year in Albania?
We are currently in the process of detailed budgeting for each country in terms of investment terms. What I can say is that we have invested 178 million euros last year and it was a record. What we expect for this year is to reach a higher figure, this is our target.
Our goal is to invest 300 mln euros in 2017
Parliament is expected to ratify the loan agreement for the construction and rehabilitation of the railway Tirana - Durres - Rinas, which is provided by EBRD
We believe that the railway sector in Bangladesh urgently needs modernization as a way to promote the development of the Albanian economy for the country's
