TIRANA, Aug 18 /ATA/ The current Chamber of Commerce and Industry is set to be replaced by a new national body under a draft law on the “National Economic Chamber” submitted for public consultation by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation.
According to the explanatory report, the draft law aims to establish a new model for business representation. Commercial entities with active status in the Business Register would automatically become members of the National Economic Chamber, ipso lege, once the law enters into force. The same would apply to new businesses registered or activated thereafter, except for entities required by specific legislation to join professional chambers or organisations.
Following the transition period, an annual registration fee will also be introduced. Under the draft law, the fee will be 1,000 lekë for entities not subject to profit tax, while for other businesses it will be set by the General Assembly based on factors such as size, number of employees and turnover, but may not exceed 70,000 lekë per year. Failure to pay the fee will constitute an administrative offence.
The proposed system would mark a shift from the current territorial structure of chambers of commerce towards a primarily sector-based model. Under the draft law, Sectoral Chambers would be established, with their number and names proposed by the National Economic Chamber and subject to approval by the relevant minister.
The new chamber would have a broader role than traditional business representation. In addition to its representative and coordinating functions, it would also be tasked with providing delegated public functions and services in cooperation with state institutions.
The National Economic Chamber would take on a broader role, supporting business registration and verification, issuing trade-related certificates, conducting economic research, and promoting Albanian businesses and exports. It would also organise fairs and training and help facilitate arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
Under the new structure, the governing bodies would comprise the General Assembly, Board, President and Secretary-General. The General Assembly would have up to 121 members, while the Board would consist of between nine and 25 members. The governing bodies would serve three-year terms.
The draft law also provides for a transitional period during which the National Economic Chamber would operate under temporary state supervision and administration until its first elected governing bodies are certified under the law.
The initiative is currently under public consultation, with the proposed changes to the representation model, automatic membership and annual fee expected to be among the key issues discussed by institutions and the business community.
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