NOA, partner of the "Balkan Economic Forum"!

An exceptional event bringing together experts, academics and entrepreneurs from the entire region, the "Balkans Economic Forum" successfully achieved to engage a truly knowledgeable exchange on how to promote a lasting sustainable development model for the entire Western Balkans. 

Greeted by the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Mr. Oliver Varhelyi, the forum brought together representatives from FAO, USAID, CEI, IFC, EBRD, UNCTAD, EU, Association of European Banks, US Environmental Protection Agency, Skopje Stock Exchange, Cyprus Forum, Association of Kosovo Banks, European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), ETH Zurich, ConsciESG, EOS matrix, and many other representatives from the banking, state and businesses community from Albania and the Balkans' countries. 

What is the expected implementation timeline and impact from the incoming ESG revolution, what are the new ‘hot’ technologies supporting economies of scale and growth, how can we invest in a modern and more efficient agriculture, what are the top European policies affecting the Balkans’ economies… These and other topics were vividly discussed by panelists all while making an effort to identify concrete proposals on how to support innovation, employment, the increase of trade exchanges and of living standards for the entire economies of the region. 

As during the previous edition held in the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, the forum focused extensively on the positive impact education and technical advisory services have on small businesses and farmers in the region, all while stressing that more needs to be done in this direction. Ahead of the increased EU competition and standards that may follow the integration process, the level of competitiveness of the region’s companies shall adapt accordingly. The same companies need to be also supported in adequately preparing in front of increased environmental challenges and successive technological changes. Access to finance and public instruments in support of entrepreneurship, the cash economy and the lack of the labor force, are additional elements that require an extra focus from every private and public stakeholder to be adequately overcome in the future. All these elements addressed during the forum, as well as the corresponding presentations, will be published online in the coming days. 

With a presence in Kosovo and Albania, NOA chose to be a partner of the forum as part of its institutional commitment in the service of a responsible development, that respects traditions and human values, the communities and the environment where it operates. Beyond the material support to the forum organisation, NOA was also responsible for the panel dedicated to agriculture which brought together experts and agro-entrepreneurs from the entire region. 

With a financing portfolio that aims to reach 100 million euros in the near future, NOA supports entrepreneurs, farmers and Albanian families according to the highest standards of the financial market, promoting innovative solutions adapted to each local reality. The inclusion of NOA in the "Economic Forum of the Balkans" is the most concrete evidence of such a vision promoted daily by NOA in its financial activity.