French-Albanian Club D’Affaires launched

TIRANA, Jan. 30 – Several French companies operating in Albania have joined to form the French-Albanian Club D’Affaires aimed at strengthening business links between the two countries. The Business Club was officially launched last week, bringing together French-based banking, energy, security and law companies also successfully operating in Albania.
Hailing the Club’s launch Prime Minister Sali Berisha invited French companies to participate in the privatization process and take advantage of opportunities to invest in hydro-electricity and tourism.
The Club D’Affairs is headed by Julien Roche, a foreign trade adviser to the French government also Green Technologies director, and Hubert de Saint-Jean, the director of Societe Generale Albania bank.
Formally established in Sept. 2011, Club members also include other companies such as energy company CNR/GDF-Suez, helicopter transport leader Eurocopter/EADS, Aleat/Morpho engaged in the production of biometric passports and ID cards, the Amadeus Group Sh.A. power supply products, Boga & Associates law firm etc.
Trade exchanges between Albania and France although constantly rising in recent years remain at very low levels. Annual Bank of Albania data show Albanian exports to France rose to 10 million euros in 2010 up from 7 million euros in 2009 representing only 0.9 percent of total exports. Meanwhile, Albanian imported 74 million euros from France in 2010, up 9.4 percent compared to 2009, representing 2 percent of total imports for 2010.