The American Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business After Hours event featuring EBRD leaders and bankers to discuss the bank’s role in Albania and the broader region. The event provided insights into private sector development support, access to finance, tailored technical assistance, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the investment climate.
In her address, Ekaterina Solovova, Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Albania, emphasized the significant role EBRD plays in shaping market developments and supporting business projects in the countries where it operates. She underscored the bank’s efforts in driving investments and setting industry standards.
“This meeting represents the intersection of supply and demand in the market, providing an excellent opportunity for collaboration,” said Neritan Mullaj, Executive Director of AmCham Albania. Mullaj, who recently took on the role, brings 15 years of experience from the EBRD.
AmCham President Grant Van Cleve praised EBRD’s collaborative approach, highlighting the support it offers businesses to grow and expand through loans and other financial tools, all while establishing strong international financial standards in the market.
Key presentations were delivered by EBRD bankers Anjeza Hobdari (Associate Director, Senior Banker for Western Balkans and Eastern Europe), Egla Ballta (Associate Director, Senior Banker and Regional RSF Coordinator for SME F&D, CSEE), Ilir Basha (Principal Banker, Tirana Regional Office), and Bledar Mehmetaj (Principal Banker, Tirana Regional Office). They outlined the EBRD’s broad sectoral engagement, which spans Financial Institutions, Agribusiness, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Sustainable Infrastructure, Energy, Telecommunications and Technology among others.
EBRD activity in Albania to date: 30 Oct 2024
- €521 million Operating assets
- 155 Number of projects
- €2,201 million Cumulative EBRD investment
- 64 Number of active portfolio projects
- €1,120 million Current portfolio of projects
