An economic and social survey in 5 Italian regions. Overview of the situation in France and Belgium

The mapping and profiling survey provides a comprehensive updated picture of economic and social trends of the Albanian diaspora community in five regions across Italy: Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and Lazio. It also gives an overview of the situation in the Albanian diaspora communities in France and Belgium.

The survey sought to profile the Albanian diaspora, collecting a large set of data on the demographic and sociological traits, its economic and professional profile and its relationship with the country of origin, including the likely present/future interest or past experience in investing in or contributing to the homeland. Desk analysis, survey, focus groups and in-depth interviews, were used for the survey conducted between June and December 2019. The survey focuses on the 1) Level of integration of Albanian diaspora in Italy, France and Belgium; 2) Relationship with their country of origin; 3) Main professional groups that are interested to invest in Albania; 4) Efforts made to invest in Albania and their plan to invest in the future; 5) Advantages and barriers they consider investing in Albania.                                                                         

The survey main recommendations to the Albanian Government are:

• Further improve the investment environment in Albania and make it attractive and trustworthy for the diaspora, and all potential investors;
• Enhance its engagement by improving the knowledge, dialogue and trust between the Albanian Government and its diaspora, following its needs, requests and indications;
• Consider the diaspora as a highly internally diversified subject, which needs targeted strategies for specific groups, based on their specific needs and interests;
• When considering its National and Diaspora Investment Strategy, the Government of Albania should take into account the interests of the diaspora in terms of the areas or initiatives where they mostly wish to focus, as well as the typology of their involvement for the development of Albania.

Survey link: https://bit.ly/3rmnjqH