Includes how major projects are financed and gives examples where relevant. Explains activities of the multilateral development banks in and other aid-funded projects where procurement is open to U.S. bidders.
Last Published: 6/28/2019

In the absence of a stock market, the banking sector remains the primary channel for project financing. The entrance of large European banks in recent years has strengthened competition and improved the intermediation role of the banking system as a primary developer of the economy. 
 

Multilateral Development Banks:

The U.S. Commercial Service maintains Commercial Liaison Offices in each of the main Multilateral Development Banks, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank. These institutions lend billions of dollars in developing countries on projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and social development by reducing poverty and inequality, improving health and education, and advancing infrastructure development. The Commercial Liaison Offices help American businesses learn how to get involved in bank-funded projects, and advocate on behalf of American bidders. Learn more by contacting the Commercial Liaison Offices to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank.
 

World Bank:

Albania has received World Bank assistance across a range of sectors since becoming a member in 1991. World Bank total commitment to Albania, as of May 2019, is estimated at USD 2.82 billion across 124 projects. The World Bank currently has 11 active projects in Albania, including in energy, transport, water, business, environment, agriculture, and community development.

In 2015, the World Bank signed the 2015-2019 Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Albania, which proposed to lend up to USD 1.2 billion over a five-year period aimed at supporting Albania’s goal to achieve equitable growth and accede to the European Union.
From more information, please visit the World Bank's website.
 

International Finance Corporation:

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) serves as the private sector “window” of the World Bank and offers a full range of financial products and services to companies in developing member countries. These services include long-term loans, equity investments, quasi-equity instruments, guarantees and standby financing, and risk management (intermediation of currency and interest rate swaps, and provision of hedging facilities).

IFC’s advisory services in Albania operate with the aim of improving the country’s investment climate, bettering the performance of private sector companies, increasing access to finance, and attracting private sector participation in development of infrastructure projects.
For more information, please visit the IFC website.
 

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development:

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) offers financial products including loans, equity, and trade guarantees. EBDR tailors financial products for public and private-sector clients, with a focus on private-sector development in Albania.

As of May 2019, cumulative investment by the EBRD in Albania reached $1.287 billion for 87 projects, chiefly in the infrastructure, energy, financial, industry, commerce, and agribusiness sectors.

The U.S. Commerce Department is represented at EBRD headquarters; for EBRD procurement, opportunities please visit the following website.

Mary Boscia
Senior Commercial Officer
mary.boscia@trade.gov  
U.S. Commercial Service Liaison Office to the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Telephone Number: +44-20-7588-8490
Fax Number: +44-20-7588-8443
For EBRD in Albania, please visit the EBRD website.

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