Albania and Italy are facing a trade battle about “call center”
companies. Italy is passing a law that forces the ones operating in
Albania to move to Italy. The government of Albania says they have
arguments to oppose this law, while businesses says its negative effect
has already started.
The government of Albania will officially oppose at the Italian authorities the law that limits free movement of “call center” companies.
The Minister of Economic Development, Milva Ekonomi, said they need to draft a stance that will pass to the Italian Embassy, which will take their concern higher in the ranks.
“We have contacted with our Embassy in Italy, which is making efforts at the respective Ministry to take the law back for a review, based on our arguments”.
Blendi Klosi said that the government will defend interests of Albanian businesses and reminded them Albania is an EU candidate and the accession negotiations are expected to start soon.
Representatives of this industry say if the law passes in Senate, there will be severe consequences for Albania. Gentian Drenova, chairman of the Association of Call Centers, said this will block any new investments. “No Italian company has arrived in Albania for the past six months, fearing this law”, he said.
Marin Gjonaj, a call center businessman, said they were told to open companies in Romania within January 2017. “Some of us will open them, some not”, he said.
The call center industry counts around 800 enterprises in Albania and employes 25.000 persons whose jobs are at risk if Italian Parliament passes the law.
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