Albania, likewise other Western Balkan countries, is moving closer to the European market. Albania is becoming more and more attractive for Dutch businesses and investors, due to its strategic location in the region, its growing economy, its advantageous labour cost and promising potential in sectors like: agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.

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The main goal of the economic section of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Tirana lies in the familiarisation of Dutch companies with suitable investment areas. Many Dutch businesses are unfamiliar with Albania and its economy. There are several sectors in which Dutch and Albanian companies can co-operate together.

Dutch-Albanian business co-operation and investments are stimulated by several instruments of the Dutch gevernment like:

• PESP  Programme  PESP
• ORET Programme  ORET
• PUM   Programme   PUM

More usefull information about the different programmes of the Netherlands'  government to stimulate economic co-operation between the Netherlands and Albania can be found on the web-site of the Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands EVD  EVD and  EVD Database or on the website  www.internationaalondernemen.nl . Recently, the  Matchmaking Facility for Developing Countries is also open for Albanian companies.

If a Dutch company or organisation is interested to know more on the Albanian business climate or has specific trade related questions, the following web-sites may be useful:

Albanian Government

 Ministry of Finance 

  Ministry of economy

 Customs

 Small and medium enterprises agency

 Albanian foreign investment agency

 Institute of statistics

 Tax

 Export

 Albanian Agricultural Council 

Albanian Business Supporting agencies (BSO)

 Foreign investors association

 SBCA Small business project

 Acit 

 Cambre of Commerce and Industry

 Albanian/ British Chamber of Commerce

 Albanian/ American Chamber of Commerce 

Others

 Tirana guide

 Euromax

Albanian companies interested in doing business with Dutch companies may get information through the website of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and Industry  KvK or Export Promotion Agency  EVD. Recently, the  Matchmaking Facility for Developing Countries is also open for Albanian companies.

For further assistance and/or information, please contact the Economic Section of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Tirana:

Second Secretary Mrs Noeke Ruiter

Assistant Programme Officer Ms Elga Mitre

Phone: (+355) 4 2240 826/8 or 2240 839

Fax:      (+355) 4 2232 723

E-mail: TIR@minbuza.nl