In his address to this forum, Begaj said that, “the presence of Austrian entrepreneurs in the delegation is a testimony to my friend’s attention and wish to further promote these relations.”

During today’s meetings, he continued, we had the pleasure to note that other than the early historical and friendly ties, it is in the best common interest to continuously strengthen and expand the economic ties between Albania and Austria.

“Albania has always seen in Austria a supportive and very precious political and economic partner, powerful and with a lot of experience. In a very symbolic way, this Forum is organized today in the premises of the first serious Austrian investment in Albania by the entrepreneur Robert Rogner. He was not only the pioneer of Austrian investments in Albania, but above all the founder of a new hotel-tourism industry in Albania,” said the President.

Begaj appreciated the entry into the Albanian market of Raiffeisen Bank, followed by well-known Austrian companies in the field of insurance and legal consulting services which, as he said, “not only developed a new industry in the respective fields, but they became the main promoters for building credibility at the international level of the Albanian market, as well as for further absorption of foreign investments.”

The President also highly appreciated the involvement of Austrian companies and enterprises with serious and very significant investments in all important strategic sectors, both in the energy and infrastructural fields.
“Thanks to their presence, today we have a much better quality energy production system, both technologically and in terms of environment friendly investment and the communities around them. In particular, I would single out the well-known companies Verbund and EVN, which fully set to operation the ASHTA hydropower plant near Shkodra. Together with other smaller hydropower plants in 2010, the ASHTA hydropower plant propelled to development the private sector of energy production in Albania. Today this sector produces about 40% of electricity in the country”, said Begaj, extending an invitation to Austrian business to increase investments in Albania, thanks to the business friendly climate fostered by the govt. to lure foreign enterprises in our country.
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