EBRD provided information about consulting services available for entrepreneurs for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in cooperation with the Albanian Consulting Network (ACN) held a business forum today on “How to support internationalisation of SMEs” for entrepreneurs in Albania.

With funding from the European Union, the EBRD is implementing the Advice for small Businesses programme in Albania helping SMEs access the know-how they need to develop, become more innovative, competitive and grow by connecting them with local consultants and international advisers who can transform their businesses.

Thanks to funding from the European Union, the EBRD Advice for Small Businesses team in Albania organised a training on “Export business diagnostics” with the aim to develop the capabilities of local consultants in the field of SME internationalisation.

The business forum held at the end of this training brought together consultants and business representatives to share knowledge on best practices in order to increase enterprise competitiveness and support internationalisation through advisory services and access to finance. It was also a good opportunity to build business relationships and expand the consultants’ network.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Albania, Mr. Yngve Engstroem, underlined the European Union’s long-term assistance in promoting Albania’s economic development. “The integration process requires Albania to consolidate its economy and business sector and to be able to compete with European member states. The strengthening and internationalisation of SMEs is crucial for the country’s future if it is to become a competitive member of the European Union, able to benefit from the enlarged internal market”, said Mr. Engstroem.

Mrs. Milva Ekonomi, Minister of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism and Entrepreneurship in Albania said: It is important to mention the EBRD role in Albania. The EBRD strategy in 2016-2019, beside the important projects in the energy sector and infrastructure, dedicated a special attention to the support for the increase of enterprise competitiveness in the private sector, in order to build and develop the spirit of entrepreneurship. The  Ministry of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism and Entrepreneurship in the frame of the design and implementation of the politics to develop the private sector, considers a priority taking legislative measures that lead to further development of the entrepreneurship culture and the creation of new jobs positions, developing a labour market and helping the start-up businesses.

The EBRD Head of Albania, Mr. Matteo Colangeli, said: “The EBRD is committed to supporting Albanian SMEs. We target to step up our financing to this segment of the economy, both through direct investments and through partnerships with commercial banks. In this context, our advisory services play a key role in raising competitiveness, internationalisation and formalisation of SMEs, which in turn will enable financing and growth”.

Since starting work in Albania in 1996, we’ve helped over 570 enterprises access advice, thanks to funding from the European Union, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Japan, Canada, Portugal, Sweden, the Taiwan-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund. Our work in Albania is currently funded by the European Union, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden and the EBRD Shareholder Special Fund.

 List of participants