Italian Chamber of Commerce elects new president

TIRANA, Sept. 5 – Maurizio Zannier, the President of Italian underwear maker Cotonella, which is represented in Albania by Shqiperia Tricot, has been elected the president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Albania (CCIA). The Italian embassy in Tirana said in a statement that under Zannier’s lead, CCIA will further consolidate its role to promote and assist Italian enterprises operating in Albania to increase trade exchanges with Italy. Around 140 Italian and Albania companies operating in different sectors all over Albania are part of CCIA. Based in the northern city of Shkodra, Italian-owned Shqiperia Trikot is one of the biggest garment producers in Albania. It has been operating in Albania for 17 years and has around 650 employees. Italy is Albania’s top trade partner with 50 percent of total exports and 30 percent of imports. More than 80 percent of footwear and garment products manufactured in Albania, which are the country’s main export, go to Italy. According to Italy’s Confindustria lobby group, some 300 Italian companies operate in Albania, mainly operating footwear and garment manufacturing.