The draft Decision of the Council of Ministers “On the approval of the regulation on procedures for the assessment and review of foreign direct investments that are related to or affect critical public infrastructure, critical technologies and dual-use goods, the supply of critical inputs, access to sensitive information, or media freedom,” which has been issued for public consultation, has received the full attention of the American Chamber of Commerce.
The draft decision, which aims to screen foreign investments targeting strategic sectors in order to safeguard national security, is of particular importance to the American Chamber of Commerce, whose core objective is to promote foreign investment, especially American investment.
While experts agree in principle on the urgent need to implement a mechanism that filters foreign capital, they have emphasized that Albania should develop this screening process in the form of a clear and comprehensive law that protects national security while simultaneously providing clarity for investors and the criteria they are required to meet. The Chamber has outlined the reasons why a law, rather than merely a draft decision, is necessary, in order to harmonize the country’s legal framework with that of the European Union.
By prioritizing national security alongside the need to attract foreign financial capital into the economy, AmCham has demonstrated through its recommendations how security can be ensured within a legal framework that holds investors accountable for the origin of their funds, while also recognizing and supporting their initiatives through transparency and legal certainty.