To join the EU or Not to join the EU

The Dilemma for ALBANIA?

In 2008 I was invited to join a consultancy team pitching to develop a new Super Hub Container Port in ALBANIA. I didn't know much about Albania and read as much as I could before departing my home base in Thailand via Vienna and a connecting flight to Tirana the capital. The consultancy group wanted expertise on Free Zones hence my involvement.

Arriving in Tirana I passed the roundabout outside the airport which reminded the World where Mother Theresa originated from (Yes , she was Albanian). One of those first impressions when you enter any Country is the Airport and the drive from Airport to your hotel. Everywhere you looked were EU Flags and Albanian Flags. On reaching the hotel and meeting up with my colleagues I enquired - "Was Albania now an EU Member"?

Having been on the team that established the FIRST MODERN DAY FREE ZONE - in Dubai - Jebel Ali Free Zone it was obvious of what works and what doesn't. This was in 2008 when I first visited Albania. A Country stuck in a time warp between Italy and Greece and desperate to establish itself as a credible player in the Global pecking order. Sali Berushi was the Prime Minister when we made our presentation and pitch in Tirana ( Live on TV as well). The Free Zone element was an after-thought by the proposing developer and it was obvious to me that any proposed Free Zone would not work inside the EU Programme (due to restrictions). My pitch was based on a UAE/Dubai style Free Zone and to create - A NEW DUBAI or SINGAPORE in the Mediterranean that would/could compete with the likes of Monaco - Monte Carlo (which was busting at the seems).

The Super Hub Container Port began a saga of what to do and how to establish such a facility including a Key Port User and more importantly how to finance such a grand project. I was asked for my opinion by The Prime Minister and clearly advised him and the development team that any Free Zone based within an EU Structure would fail and not perform for a variety of reasons.

Fast forward to 2018 and a New Prime Minister in place - Edi Rama (previously Mayor of Tirana) had replaced Sali Berushi and the desire to become an EU Member was stronger than ever. Even Ex British PM Tony Blair became an advisor to Edi Rama as to how Albania could position itself for EU Membership consideration. Many high profile visitors came and went during this period but still NO EU entry for Albania. However, the EU was smart enough to secure AID ADDICTION in providing Albania with Euro 1.5 Billion in Aid every year. With that Aid offer came certain controls as to what Albania could and could not do.

I had taken a couple of potential investor delegations into Albania ( One based out of Hongkong and another Investor fund based out of Dubai). We had identified a significant investor flow for Albania and had pitched it to Edi Rama and his Cabinet ( Including the Governor of the Central Bank and the then Minister of Finance - Arben Ahmetaj). My view was that only one person grasped the advantages and benefits of taking a second look at reasons for NOT joining the EU and that was Arben Ahmetaj.

The Economics of joining the EU and NOT joining the EU were Very Clear - CRYSTAL CLEAR - but you can't lead a horse to water scenario if he has something else on his mind. The EU continued to dangle EU Membership under the nose of Albania but never really opening to EU Welcome Door.

The above article in yesterdays Daily Express is of course just one view point and when I discuss this with my Albanian contacts they respond in saying - "But Tony you are British and Already out of the EU"!!

So what may have changed to initiate this article? Simple - THE ONLY MAN to really understand the Programme we had proposed - ARBEN AHMETAJ has now been promoted in Edi Rama's Cabinet to DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER. An Economist who fully understands - WHAT ALBANIA COULD BE??? by NOT Joining the EU.

Stubborn Old Bastard that I am with Fox Terrier determination not to let go of what I believe can turn the tables in Albania into a serious Economic Player without being held to control by the EU. Its there, I can smell it, Taste it and Clearly envisage it...... I have seen it clearly since 2008 and even more clearly since 2018. Most people would give up and walk away as there are easier Economic Cases that need my expertise..

ALBANIA - THE BEST DEAL IN THE WORLD I HAVE EVER SEEN...... How to put the Jigsaw pieces together???? I have my Teeth firmly implanted into your Ankles Albania (Fox Terriers never let go). Beat me, Kick me, Hit me, Ignore me - I am not going away...

Then thank me when you SEE THE LIGHT ????