Roundtable on “Business Integrity as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth on the Path to EU Membership”, 5 December 2024
Past Events

Roundtable on “Business Integrity as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth on the Path to EU Membership”, 5 December 2024

In partnership with the main organizer, Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Albania, we hosted the second roundtable discussion on the afternoon of December 5, 2024, titled “Business Integrity as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth on the Path to EU Membership”.

This event emphasized the need for Integrity, transparency, and inclusivity among business actors in the EU accession process.
Mrs. Rozalija Vasilevska, Program Manager for Southeast Europe at CIPE, delivered the opening remarks on the importance of integrity in the Western Balkan Business Chamber Ecosystem & Networks, highlighting efforts to enhance Advocacy for EU Accession.
This was followed by Mr. Andrea Ferrero, Head of Operations for Sustainable Economic and Social Development at the EU Delegation in Albania. Mr. Ferrero spoke about the role of business chambers in the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
Mrs. Olimpija Hristova Zaevska, CEO of Elson Solutions and a CIPE subcontractor, delivered a presentation titled “Assessment of the State of Public- Private Dialogue & The Private Sector in the Western Balkans”. She provided valuable insights into the WB6 business chamber ecosystem, network analysis, and recommendations.
Mr. Arben Shkodra, General Secretary of the National Economic Council, discussed advocacy capacity needs and opportunities for business chambers.
Mrs. Albana Laknori, General Secretary of the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented on “Business Chamber Ecosystem & Networks: Enhancing Advocacy for EU Accession Efforts.”
The roundtable concluded with a speech by Mr. Erik Akse, EU Better Regulation Expert and Founder of IAI, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the administration and the business community for joining the European Union’s Single Market.

In the final part of the panel, various representatives of business associations and chambers discussed the specific challenges and opportunities within Albania’s business chamber ecosystem, highlighting how integrity and collective action are crucial tools for advancing along the EU path.