Tirana, June 15, 2026
The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania, in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and with the support of the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), hosted a high-level event to present Albania’s new Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework.
The event brought together representatives from government institutions, the diplomatic community, international partners, and the private sector to discuss the role of the new framework in strengthening economic security, safeguarding strategic national interests, and fostering a transparent and predictable investment environment.
The event was opened by Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn, underscoring the importance of the framework as Albania advances its economic modernization agenda and alignment with European Union standards.
The discussions highlighted the significance of investment screening mechanisms as internationally recognized tools that help countries balance openness to foreign investment with the protection of critical sectors and national security interests. Participants also examined the practical implications of implementing the framework, its alignment with international best practices, and the importance of sustained cooperation between public institutions and the private sector.
Neritan Mullaj, Executive Director of AmCham Albania, emphasized that the framework is not designed to restrict foreign investment, but rather to enhance investor confidence through transparency, predictability, and clear regulatory procedures. “Modern economies require modern safeguards,” said Mullaj. “This framework establishes transparent rules and predictable processes that provide certainty for investors while enabling institutions to protect Albania’s strategic interests. Strong institutions, transparency, and predictability are the foundations upon which long-term investment decisions are made.”
Mullaj noted that these principles were consistently reinforced during AmCham Albania’s recent mission to Washington, D.C., where government officials, policymakers, and business leaders highlighted the importance of a stable and trusted investment environment.
AmCham Albania President Grant Van Cleve described the adoption of the investment screening mechanism as the culmination of a long-term effort led by the Chamber in cooperation with Albanian institutions and international partners. “This framework reflects years of collaboration and commitment,” Van Cleve stated. “It represents an important milestone in strengthening Albania’s investment climate while ensuring that strategic national interests remain protected.”
In her remarks, Minister Delina Ibrahimaj highlighted the framework’s importance as part of Albania’s ongoing alignment with the European Union acquis and its broader institutional reform agenda.
“Following the adoption of the regulation, questions naturally emerged regarding its implementation and potential administrative implications,” Ibrahimaj said. “This dialogue is essential to clarify how the mechanism will function in practice and how it supports Albania’s legal and institutional transformation on its path toward EU membership, while simultaneously promoting high-quality foreign investment that is critical to our economic development.”
Addressing participants, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn commended AmCham Albania for its leadership in advancing initiatives that strengthen Albania’s investment environment.
“This is a big deal,” VanHorn said. “An investment screening framework is not simply a regulatory exercise, it is a strategic statement that Albania is open to investment that supports sustainable growth, security, and adherence to international standards.”
She further noted that the framework provides greater certainty for investors operating in strategic sectors while helping protect those sectors from actors that do not adhere to the same standards and principles of fair competition.
VanHorn stressed that the adoption of the legal framework marks the beginning, rather than the end, of the process, emphasizing that effective implementation will be critical to its success. She reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Albania throughout this effort and underscored that predictable rules and consistent enforcement are key drivers of long-term, high-quality investment.
The technical aspects of the framework, including its scope and implementation procedures, were presented by Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Enkelejd Musabelliu. He later joined a panel discussion with Albana Karapanço, Chair of AmCham Albania’s Legal Committee, and Adrian Shehu, Chair of the Investment Committee, who shared perspectives on the opportunities and challenges associated with the framework’s implementation.
The discussion reinforced the importance of continued public-private dialogue to ensure the effective implementation of the new framework and to strengthen Albania’s position as a transparent, reliable, and attractive destination for foreign investment.
