Cnference-Exploring Albania and Its Economic Opportunities

Dennis McConnell - Univ. of Maine, USA (mailto:mac@MAINE.MAINE.EDU)
Fri, 18 Aug 1995 16:00:38 EDT

Message-ID:  <MAC.950818160038@maine.maine.EDU>
Date:         Fri, 18 Aug 1995 16:00:38 EDT
From: "Dennis McConnell - Univ. of Maine, USA" <mailto:mac@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>
Subject:      Cnference-Exploring Albania and Its Economic Opportunities
To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>

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   Conference-Exploring Albania and Its Economic Opportunities
                         Washington, DC
                      September 10-12, 1995
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I  have recently received from The Albanian-American Trade  Asso-
ciation (AATA)  a brochure announcing the above-noted conference.
It  is not the kind of conference my Dean will pay for, but  mem-
bers  of  the list may be interested in the  conference.  I  have
provided  below  an abbreviated version of  the  announcement.  I
should  note  that I am a member of the AATA, but have  not  been
asked to provide publicity for this event.
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The stated purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity
to  learn  more about Albania by exploring trade  and  investment
opportunities,  and sources of business assistance.  The  confer-
ence  also  provides  an opportunity  to  network  with  Albanian
government officials, representatives from the U.S. Department of
Commerce  and other federal agencies,  Congressional  representa-
tives and Albanian-American organizations.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

5:30-7:00 P.M. Welcome Reception

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

8:30-10:15 Opening Plenary

* Welcoming remarks by James V. Elias, President of the Alba- nian-American Trade Association (AATA) * Introduction of Co-Sponsors from: -U.S. Department of Commerce -Albanian-American Chamber of Commerce -Albanian-American Cultural Foundation -Albanian-American Enterprise Fund -Albanian Humanitarian AID, Inc. -Harry T. Fultz Foundation -New England Albanian Relief Organization * Welcome by the Albanian Government * Speaker: U.S. Department of Commerce -"U.S. Government Policy and Programs Related to Albania" * Speaker: Domenick Scaglione, Chairman, Albanian-American Enterprise Fund - "Economic and Business Development Needs of Albania and the AAEF Role"

10:30-12:00 Panel - Albania in Need

Panel explores what private citizens and organizations can do and have been doing to assist Albania. Panelists from Alba- nian-American Organizations.

12:00-2:00 Luncheon

Guest Speaker: Congressman Eliot Engel, Chairman of the Alba- nian Caucus: "Albania and the U.S. Congress"

2:00-3:15 Panel - Development Problems and Solutions

Session will focus on economic, structural and social problems and solutions planned and underway by the government of Alba- nia and donor countries and institutions. Subjects include: new laws, government restructuring, privatization program, land reform, and banking reform. Panelists will include U.S. and international donor community organizations.

3:30-5:00 Panel - Albania: Land of Business Opportunity

Panel will explore investment and trade opportunities, includ- ing how to deal with barriers to investment and trade. Panel- ists will represent private investors, business organizations, the SARA Agribusiness project, and trade and investment pro- grams.

6:30-8:00 Presidential Reception

In honor of President Sali Berish. Sponsored by the Albanian- American Enterprise Fund and AATA

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

8:00 Congressional Breakfast on Capital Hill

This is an opportunity for participants to invite their con- gressional delegation to breakfast and a presentation on the issues covered during the conference.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Ritz-Carlton for this conference ($150 per night). Advance registration fee for the conference is $200 and the on-site registration fee is $250.

For more information, contact:

Albanian-American Trade Association 3250 Prospect Street N.W. Washington, DC 20007 Tel: (202) 965-4043 *****************************************************************