UK-Albania. Trade & Investment Forum 2014

On November 4th, at Painters’ Hall in the City of London, The British Chamber, supported by the FCO and other partners, hosted representatives from the Government of Albania for the half day UK-Albania Trade & Investment Forum 2014. The event was opened by Leon Isaacs, Chief Executive of DMA and Mr. John Grogan Honorary President, Albania British Chamber of Commerce

During the key sessions presentations were given by Hon Ditmir Bushati, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania; Holger Muent, Director, Western Balkans, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); and Hon Eglantina Gjermeni, Minister of Urban Development & Tourism; amongst others. The private sector was represented by the event sponsors led by our platinum sponsor, Raiffeisen Bank Albania, who spoke in the first key session, represented by Christian Canacaris, Chief Executive, Raiffeisen Bank Albania; and followed through the ensuing programme by David Smith, Albania Programme Manager, Crown Agents; Zip Dhanani, Chief Executive & Chairman, Arian Resources; and Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs Director, Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

The closing remarks were given by Hollywood actor Jim Belushi who echoed the Government of Albania’s call for investment in the country’s growing economy. The event was rounded off with a Networking Lunch.

Agenda:

Painters’ Hall, City of London

8.00am – 9.00am: Registration & Refreshments

9.00am – 9.15am: Welcome Addresses and Opening Comments
Leon Isaacs, Chief Executive, Developing Markets Associates
John Grogan, Honorary President, Albania British Chamber of Commerce

9.15am – 10.30am: Session 1 – Economic Outlook & Overview
Chair: HMA Nicholas Cannon OBE, British Ambassador to Albania

• Hon. Ditmir Bushati, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania
• Holger Muent, Director, Western Balkans, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development
• Christian Canacaris, Chief Executive, Raiffeisen Bank Albania
• David Smith, Albania Programme Manager, Crown Agents

Q&A Session

10.30am – 11.00am: Refreshments Break

11.00am – 12.15pm: Session 2 – Investing in Key Sectors
Chair: Suela Rossberg, Vice President, JP Morgan

• Hon. Eglantina Gjermeni, Minister of Urban Development & Tourism
• Dorian Ducka, Deputy Minister of Energy & Industry
• Zip Dhanani, Chief Executive & Chairman, Arian Resources
• Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs Director, Trans Adriatic Pipeline
• Elona Varfi, Secretary General, National Economic Council

Q&A Session

12.15pm – 12.30pm: Closing Remarks
Jim Belushi, Actor

12.30pm – 13.30pm: Networking Lunch