Albania In The News

From an appearance in the film Taken to reforms to elections law, Albania—a traditionally quiet country since gaining independence in 1913—has been making headlines across the world for a number of positive reasons. While next door neighbor Greece struggles to stay afloat, Albania's inflation has remained stable and economic growth survived the worldwide recession quite well. Now, the country is looking to continue its historical annual growth by shifting from an agricultural nation to a more modern economy focused on attracting foreign investment. As these reforms have been enacted, Albania has made headlines all over the world. Here are just a few of the sectors emboldened by the new-look Albania.

 Nothing attracts foreign investment like well-built infrastructure. Since 2007, the country has embarked on a major road rehabilitation program designed to attract companies looking to conduct business in Albania to see that they can transport goods and services through the countryside with ease. The country is also experiencing a residential housing boom. These new endeavors have seen expansions in the cement industry. In 2004, the country welcomed the addition of the Fushe Kruje Cement Factory to add resources for Albania.

"I grew up here so to be able to help the government build resources and infrastructure that will bring businesses, jobs and prosperity is very exciting for me," says General Manager of Fushe Kruje Charles Bouri said in a recent statement.

With a residential and commercial building boom comes the need for building supplies, as the increase in cement production has shown. But cement is not the only building material seeing a rise in Albania. Scott Paint, one of the largest suppliers of paint in the world, recently announced a new marketing plan and shipping expansion, which included Albania prominently. By structuring deals with governments both across the U.S. and overseas, the company has survived as private sector construction across the U.S. has waned.