TIRANA, Jan 7 /ATA/ – The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania (AmCham) has called for a clear and comprehensive law to govern the screening of foreign direct investment, following the release for public consultation of a draft regulation by the Council of Ministers.
The draft regulation sets out procedures for assessing and reviewing foreign investments linked to or affecting critical public infrastructure, critical technologies and dual-use goods, supplies of critical inputs, access to sensitive information or media freedom.
In a statement, AmCham said the proposal, which aims to screen foreign investments targeting strategic sectors in order to safeguard national security, is of particular importance given the chamber’s mission to promote foreign investment, especially from the United States.
While agreeing in principle on the need for an urgent mechanism to filter foreign capital, AmCham said Albania should develop the process through a clear and comprehensive law that protects national security while providing investors with transparency and predictability regarding applicable criteria.
The chamber said the adoption of a dedicated law, rather than a secondary regulation, is essential to align Albania’s legal framework with European Union legislation and to ensure balanced and proportionate implementation of the investment screening mechanism.
AmCham said national security can be safeguarded through a legal framework that strengthens accountability regarding the origin of investment funds while supporting investment initiatives through greater transparency and legal certainty.
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