The US Chargé d’Affaires in Tirana, Nancy VanHorn, has criticized the Government for the current legal framework it has adopted for strategic investments in Albania.
According to the US diplomat, Albania’s Foreign Direct Investment laws are not simply a bureaucratic exercise, but a strategic statement.
According to her, this shows that Albania is open for business, in order to protect the national interests of the country, but even though international standards have been met. Nancy VanHorn in her message said that: “investors need confidence that the rules are clear, that the playing field is equal and that strategic sectors are protected from actors who do not play by the same rules as us.”
“This is very important. Albania’s FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) review framework is not just a bureaucratic exercise – it is a strategic statement. It shows that Albania is open for business, but in a way that protects Albania’s national interests and meets international standards.
And investors are paying attention – including American ones. American companies are here – in energy, construction and technology – and many more are looking to come. But investors need confidence that the rules are clear, that the playing field is level, and that strategic sectors are protected from actors who don’t play by the same rules as us.
When President Trump announced America’s investment policy last year, he emphasized a simple principle: welcome investments that strengthen economic growth while ensuring that critical infrastructure and strategic sectors remain secure. Albania’s approach to investment review is built on the same principle. And that match matters.
Of course, passing a law is the beginning, not the end. Implementation is where these efforts succeed or fail – and the United States will continue to support Albania throughout this process. We will continue to work with Minister Ibrahimaj and other ministries and institutions that will bring this framework to life,” the US chargé d’affaires emphasizes.
VANHORN’S FULL WORD
I just told Grant that I think this is a meeting where you’re going to hear the same things over and over again. The four of us, I think, are speaking with one voice.
So, a very big thank you to Neritan and Grant for the warm hospitality, to the minister who joined us today and I think she actually explained very well the importance of this mechanism and process. The American Chamber has a real knack for turning shared priorities into shared action – and today’s is a perfect example.
Minister Ibrahimaj, it is a pleasure to see you here. Your ministry’s leadership on the investment review mechanism has been essential, and the United States is proud to stand with you.
So I will be brief, because the real substance is in the presentations and discussions that will follow. But I want to say a few things from the embassy’s perspective.
This is very important. Albania’s FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) review framework is not just a bureaucratic exercise – it is a strategic statement. It shows that Albania is open for business, but in a way that protects Albania’s national interests and meets international standards.
And investors are paying attention – including American ones. American companies are here – in energy, construction and technology – and many more are looking to come. But investors need confidence that the rules are clear, that the playing field is level, and that strategic sectors are protected from actors who don’t play by the same rules as us.
When President Trump announced America’s investment policy last year, he emphasized a simple principle: welcome investments that strengthen economic growth while ensuring that critical infrastructure and strategic sectors remain secure. Albania’s approach to investment review is built on the same principle. And that match matters.
Of course, passing a law is the beginning, not the end. Implementation is where these efforts succeed or fail – and the United States will continue to support Albania throughout this process. We will continue to work with Minister Ibrahimaj and other ministries and institutions that will bring this framework to life.
To the business community in this room: Screening mechanisms are designed to protect you. When rules are predictable and enforcement is consistent, everyone benefits – and that’s the environment that attracts the kind of long-term, quality investment that Albania deserves.
So today is about bringing everyone to the same table – to understand what this framework means, how it works and what comes next. Albania has taken an important step forward, and we welcome the work that awaits us. Thank you!
