German investors say property ownership solution would bring more money

TIRANA, Oct 22 – German businessmen who are taking part in a joint meeting with Albanian counterparts made it clear that the problem of the property titles and disputes on its ownership remained the only problem in the tiny Balkan country that is looking for more foreign direct investment.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha invited them to turn their eyes and money to the energy projects in the country but they remain unclear on the situation of the property ownership.
“Albania is a secure country for investments and government is determined to contributing for success of the business”, said Berisha, at the opening of the German-Albanian economic conference “Market perspectives in Albania. Energy – Environment – Construction” with the participation of 80 German entrepreneurs.
Premier Berisha added that Albanian government has made great efforts for facilitation of fiscal burden and reduction of taxes, whereas the annual incomes have increased”.
Considering the Albanian economy as new and dynamic, Berisha said that Albanian exports “Made in Albania” have increased by 42 %, annual inflation amounts to 2.7 %, whereas economic growth for first six month period is 11 %.
Berisha said, ” that banking system is stabilized”.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy (ETE) Genc Ruli said that his country had to alternate its energy resources.
He said Albania had advantages in developing wind energy, also adding that the government “has given priority to the strengthening of inter-connection lines, whose building also enables power export to neighboring countries.”
“Albania has several competitive advantages, such as tax reduction, and the creation of the legal framework to set up a center in the form of “One Stop Shop” on permits and licenses is also being completed. This will further facilitate procedures for the business,” said Ruli.
“We are conscious that problems on property titles still exist but we have approved creation of economic zones to facilitate building businesses in the country,” Ruli said.
Whereas, Parliamentary State Secretary in Federal Ministry of Economy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Hartmut Schauerte said that economic conference was a testimony of the great interest of German investors in Albania and the result of Albania’s progress.
Germany has been a main donor and investor in post-communist Albania with about 800 million Euros since 1990.
German economic assistance is the highest per capita for Albania.
Schauerte said that testified that financial assistance for Albania had been fully deserved. German investors are interested to invest in Albania in thermal energy generation, urban wastes processing according to EU standards, etc.