Overview July 1999: Albania

The main relevant contacts in Albania are representatives of NGO-s and business associations.

1. Overview
The main government bodies involved in the organisation of telecommunications and the IS development in Albania are:

1.1 The Ministry of Public Economy and Privatisation

This government ministry is in charge of telecommunications policy development and legislation. The current Minister is Mr Ylli Bufi. Tasks of the Ministry include:

• Submitting proposals to the Council of Ministers for policy in relation to development of the posts and telecommunications sector; and for legislation concerning regulation of the postal and telecommunication services
• Representing the Albanian Government in international agreements, conventions and bilateral or multilateral protocols in the postal and telecommunication sectors.

1.2 The General Directorate of Posts and Telecommunications

This is a Directorate within the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization. The tasks of the General Directorate of Posts and Telecommunications include:

• Promotion of development of the national telecommunication industry
• Co-ordination of development plans of telecommunications networks related to the needs of public institutions
• Co-ordination and processing of statistical data concerning public operators of posts and telecommunications
• Co-ordination of national maritime services
• Pursuit of the execution of obligations in the post and telecommunications sector

1.3 The Telecommunication Regulatory Entity - TRE

This is an independent regulatory body created by an Act of February 1998. The tasks of the TRE include:

• Granting of licences (Contact: Mr Gezim Jashari)
• Management of the radio frequency spectrum (Contact: Mr Vojo Spahiu)
• Type approval and standardisation of communications equipment and materials
• Protection of consumers (Contact for Fees and Charges: Mr Gezim Jashari)
• Settlement of disputes arising with regard to interconnection (Contact: Mr Gjergj Shalesi)
• Numbering (Contact: Mr Gjergj Shalesi)
• Quality control

2. Organizations

There are 11 key organizations in Albania. These organisations are mainly engaged in single projects that are unrelated to other IS projects. However, these organisations operate with other organisations that in general provide for them non-ICT Services, or provide funds for them.

2.1 Government

Two of the key contacts are members of government bodies:

• Mr. Edmond Hoxha, Department Director in the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. This institution is engaged in studying the labour market through surveys and preparing and delivering reports to relevant people.
• Mr Vaso Pano, Director of Privatization of Strategic Sectors in the Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization is engaged in the privatization procedures of AlbTelecomm as well as Albanian Mobile Communication. The Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization has published the criteria and conditions of AMC privatization on the Internet.

The internet/e-mail connection of the Ministry of Information (contact: Minister Mr Musa Ulqini) is being used by the Council of Ministers and other governmental structures. The connection enables the transmission and reception of news broadcasts and information on state activities. The aim is to make the general public more aware of state decisions and actions.

2.2 Telecom Operators

The Albanian Telecommunications Enterprise (Alb-Telecom) is owned and operated by the state. It provides the following services: fixed voice telephony, mobile telephony, data and image services and management services.

2.3 Non-Governmental Organisations

Chambers of Commerce and Industry

• Mr. Edmond Karanxho, General Secretary of Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Mr. Baki Shahu, Chairman of Korca Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Kozma Stavro, Chairman of Kucova Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

2.4 Other NGO-s:

• Natasha Ahmetaj, project director of the Local Business Assistance Center in Vlora
• Ilia Telo, Director of Institute of Labor of Independent Trade Union
• Daniela Kalaja, Project manager of Women’s Center
• Gazmir Maksuti, Project Manager of Business in Albania – Elbasan
• Mehmet Elezi, Director of Institute of International Strategic Studies
• Shefqet Meko, Director of Albanian Center for Rural Research
• Arlinda Ymeraj, Director of National Albanian Center for Social Studies

Of the people from the list of contact persons, 8 work in Tirana – the others are from Kucova, Korca, Elbasani and Vlora.