The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania is a member of the umbrella organization of the American Chambers of Commerce in Europe and for the first time in the history of this relationship, which dates back to mid 2000, the Chairman of ACE, Mr. Patrick Mikkelsen, visited Albania.

Mr. Mikkelsen also holds the position of the Executive Director of AmCham in the Netherlands. He spent two days in Albania viewing the country both through the eyes of an eager visitor and also as a strong promoter and collaborator to the development and strengthening of the business climate in the various countries and the relationships between all AmChams in Europe.

Mr. Mikkelsen met with the Executive Staff of AmCham Albania to discuss among others best practices, activities and forms of organization across AmChams. Further, our Board of Directors hosted a Working Luncheon with Mr. Mikkelsen, where Mr. Mikkelsen gave a general overview of the work and the way ACE is organized, and discussed with the Board on the best way of collaborating with Amchams in the region and the possible forms of collaboration and experience exchange between AmCham Albania and AmCham in the Netherlands.

During his visit Mr. Mikkelsen, the Chairman of AmCham Albania, Mr. Mark Crawford and the Executive Director of AmCham Albania, Ms. Enida Bezhani were also hosted by H.E. Dewi Van De Weerd, the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Albania, to a Working Breakfast, which focused on the role that the Netherlands plays in developing Albania through its extensive aid and collaboration projects.

We extend a heart-felt thank-you to AmCham in the Netherlands and ACE for this visit and send our best regards to all the members of the respective Board and Executive Committee.