Albania Paper

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    1) Location:

    Southeastern Europe

    Bordering countries include

    Greece with 282km, Serbia

    115km, and Montenegro 172km,

    and Macedonia 151km.

    Also borders the Adriatic and

    Ionian Sea. Italian boot heel is to

    the west, between the two is the Straight of Otranto. 1

    Italy and Albania re-connected in the 1980s after WWII, and today seems as though it is

    the most important country to Albania, Italy is Albanias #1 trading partner.

    Relations between Greece and Albania became increasingly strained after the fall of the

    communist regime in 1991. Today the relations between the two countries are relatively

    good, after the two signed a treaty for peace and friendship in 1996.

    Macedonia and Albania have good relations involving trade, approximately 2 million

    Albanians live in Macedonia and they share similar cultures.2

    2) Size-comparison:

    Albania is slightly larger than Massachusetts

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    Total Area Albania= 11,100 sq. mi.

    Total Area Massachusetts=

    10,555sq.mi.

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    3) Topography and Climate:

    The majority of Albania is mountainous with 70% of the land at elevations above 300m

    (1000ft). The remainder of the country is comprised of coastal lowlands and other small plains

    along the coast. The climate in the northern region has cold wet winters and mild summers. The

    coastal areas have hot dry summers and cold rainy winters. The mountainous regions in the

    country are generally cooler and wetter than the coastal plains year round. With Albanias poor

    infrastructure it is difficult to transport products throughout the country, especially in the

    Northern region (to be discussed further on). The Southern region and mountain ranges are

    more accessible and this influences the development of their infrastructure and economic

    growth.4

    4) Family Structure:

    2001 Census found an overall average of 4.46 persons per household.

    Urban 4.15 persons per household

    Rural 4.72 persons per household5

    In traditional society, the household consisted of the mother and father as well as their

    unmarried daughters, and married sons and their wives and children. The extended

    families were quite large. When the father died, the eldest son assumed the responsibility

    of the extended family. Upon the death of both parents, all the property was divided

    equally amongst the sons. Daughters could not inherit family property.

    Todays family structure is not that different. Although the family trends are still quite

    large, most Albanian families have three children. Even though the extended family is

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    smaller it is still common for one son and his family to remain at home and take care of

    the parents in their older age.6

    5) Political Environment & Government Structure:

    Throughout the 1990s and the end of communism, the political environment has been

    shaky and slow to recuperate. For example, in 1997 the State Department released a

    travel advisory recommending US tourists immediately depart the country due to

    increasing violence from political instability, also all US workers within the country were

    flown the US government.7

    Government Type Emerging Democracy, Multi-Party Republic

    Comprised of Judicial, Legislative and Executive Branches

    Albania has Chief of State who is President, and a Head of Government who is

    the Prime Minister.

    Assembly consists of 140 seats.

    Currently the government is slowly beginning and is expected to maintain stability over

    the next five years, as Albania continually attempts to join the EU.8

    6) Political Relations with the US:

    After 52 years without any form of relations, in March of 1991 the United States

    and Albania re-established diplomatic and bilateral relations. Later that year in October 1991,

    United States built an embassy in the capital Tirana. Since then the US has provided Albania

    with over $550 million in assistance, making the US the second largest bilateral economic donor

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    over Italy. Also, Albania has helped the US in the war on terrorism, by freezing terrorist assets,

    and providing military support in Afghanistan and Iraq.9

    Albania and the United States signed and ratified several agreements in 2003. Among

    these include a treaty on the Prevention and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction;

    Promotion of Defense and Military Relations; and The Adriatic Charter. Also included was an

    Agreement regarding the non-surrender of persons to the International Criminal Court. The

    United States supports Albanias EU and NATO membership goals. With Albania moving

    towards NATO membership, the US and Albania signed a Supplementary Agreement to the

    Partnership for Peace in 2003.

    In 2006, Albania opened the doors for the largest foreign direct investment project ever in

    Albania, $1.9 Billion! With $600 million being US equipment and services, this is a huge

    development in Political Relations between the US and Albania. This project is an Energy

    Field that will hopefully provide Albania with all of its power and gas needs. The construction

    of this project is providing 4,000 jobs over the next 18 months, and huge investment

    opportunities for US companies over the next 5 years.10

    7) Economic Bases:

    GDP = $20.21 Billion

    Agriculture: 23.3%

    Industry: 18.8%

    Services: 57.9 %

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    GNP=$ 5.7 Billion *This graph depicts the sharp increase in FDI

    inflows.

    GDP Per Capita = $5,600

    Balance of Payments:

    Imports - $2.901 Billion

    Exports - $763.2 Million

    Trade Deficit = $2.138 Billion11

    8) Chief Imports & Exports:

    Exports Textiles and footwear, asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil, vegetables,

    fruits, and tobacco.

    Export Trading Partners Italy 72.4%, Greece 10.5%, Serbia and Montenegro

    5%.

    Imports Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, and chemicals.

    Import Trading Partners Italy 29.3%, Greece 16.4%, Turkey 7.5%, China 6.6%,

    Germany 5.4%, Russia 4%.12

    9) US Trade Relations:The volume of US and Albanian trade relations is very low, but growing. In 2006,

    Albania imported $27.6 million of US products, and exported $23.9 million of Albanian products

    to the US(surprisingly balanced relative to balance of payments). Overall, the US is Albanias

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    17th largest trading partner. One main issue that limits the US from being a trading partner with

    Albania is infrastructure. The countrys infrastructure is so poor, it literally hampers US

    investment within the country.

    The products the US imports from Albania ranges in importance. For example, in 2006

    the US imported $11.4 million in liquid petroleum gases, $6.5 million imported of leather and

    rubber materials, and $3.5 million in tea and spices(top imports among others). Petroleum

    products are of more significance to the US than tea and spices. Yet, with petroleum products

    being Albanias most exported products, it is clear these products are also very important to

    Albania in regards to trading.

    13

    After reviewing imports and exports, it seems as though Albanias importation of US

    products is of more importance. The US product most imported by Albania includes measure,

    testing and control products, followed by drilling and oilfield equipment. With all of the

    infrastructure and energy projects occurring, it would not be possible without some of the US

    equipment imported by Albania. Other important US products Albania imports includes

    excavation and telecommunication products, without these growth tools the countrys

    infrastructure development would be quite stagnant, therefore Albanias imports are more

    important than exports.14

    10) Alliance Memberships:

    Has been a UN member since December 14, 1955

    Albania has been a WTO member since September 8, 2000

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    Also belongs to: ECE, FAO, IAEA, IFAD, ILO, IMO, ITU, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

    UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO.

    Corridor VIII Alliance Economic Alliance

    Agreement on Trade Facilitation and Liberalization.15

    11) Important Alliances:

    Albania became the 138th member of the WTO on September 8, 2000. The WTO Director-

    General stated, Membership promises a more prosperous future and raised living standards for

    all Albanian citizens. I also believe that, by encouraging the trade links between countries, the

    WTO can help foster greater peace, stability and development in south-eastern Europe. Albania's

    membership brings this Organization ever closer to being a truly World Trade Organization.

    Albania's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Trade, Ermelinda Meksi, agreed saying the

    WTO membership presents us with a new role in the international community and would help

    bring improvement of the wellbeing and prosperity of my people.16

    The Corridor VIII Alliance is of great importance to Albania. The Corridor VIII Alliance

    promotes economic development throughout the Balkan Region. The Corridor represents

    economic growth and job creation for the entire area. The Corridor will link the Adriatic Sea

    Ports of Durres and Vlore in Albania to the Black Sea Ports of Burgas and Varna. This will offer

    great potential for development of the involved nations and to the Southern Balkans as a region.

    The Agreement on Trade Facilitation and Liberalization was signed by many neighboring

    countries including, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro, Rumania,

    Bulgaria, Kosovo, and Moldova. The Agreement was made to develop a regional market of 65

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    million consumers and is also of great importance to Albania. The goals of the Agreement are to

    reduce and liberalize customs, duties and other trade barriers. Through the elimination of these

    barriers, the agreement aims to establish free trade areas between the participating countries over

    the next 5 to 6 years.17

    12) Rostows Stage:

    This is a section that we completed last and after researching Albania it was a difficult

    choice because Albania seemed to fit stage 3, because infrastructure growth rate was very

    low compared to the growth of production and its rapid urbanization. However, it is

    definitely not the fastest growing like China or India, therefore we are labeling the country a

    stage 2 in Rostows stages of economic development. With Albania holding characteristics

    of stages 2 & 3, Albania may be a dual economy. Characteristics of Stage 2 include being in

    a state of transition with increases in production, the further development of infrastructure,

    also changes in the governments stand point. Comparing that to Albania, production has

    greatly increased within the country and has become one of the worlds leading shoe

    producers and leather processors. In fact, Albania produces 1.2 million pairs of shoes each

    month. Although the countrys infrastructure is becoming more complex, it is definitely still

    developing and also is under- funded by the government. Although the countrys government

    is still extremely poor, they have abolished communism demonstrating a state of transition.18

    13) Forms of Promotion:

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    According the National Council of Radio and Television Albania has an estimated 257

    media outlets, including 66 radio stations and 65 television stations, with 3 national and

    62 local stations.

    Radio-Television of Albania RTSH, can reach 73% of the country however its

    viewership trails that of other stations.

    TVSH-Albanian Television Another large public television station that is often accused

    of advertising partiality towards the government.

    The Tirana Times An Albanian newspaper written in the

    English language. There are not a lot of advertisements in

    the newspaper however there were 2 ads for BUTRINI Hotel

    and BMW.

    Television and radio advertising are the most common forms

    of promotion utilized in the country. The electronic media

    sector in Albania has greatly increased over the last decade. Until 1995 RTSH was

    Albanias only television station. Many television and radio stations however have not

    been able to fully escape Governmental control of information and advertising.19

    14) High/ Low Context Culture:

    It is evident that Albania is a P-Time culture, here are some reasons why:

    Albanians have low individualism. Religion is indifferent, many people have very

    similar views, towards many things.

    Albanians are more relationship oriented versus being information oriented.20

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    Being the poorest country in Europe, time really is not seen as money, unlike M-Time

    cultures.

    15) Gender Bias:

    Under the communist rule women had quite a fair status, the regime wanted to eliminate

    gender discrimination and women were integrated into the work force.

    With the fall of communism womens status also fell. As unemployment sky-rocketed

    women lost their jobs resulting in only 16% of women working outside the home.

    Since this time there has been a resurgence of traditional values which led many Albanian

    women to be the caretaker of the home. Many women also have became divorced and

    resorted to prostitution, moving to Greece and Italy.21

    Muslim Albanian Women are not required to veil their faces, although they may be worn.

    16) US Employee Usage:

    The Energy Field operation will bring 4,000 jobs to the country during actual construction

    and 400 are scheduled to remain as permanent jobs at the conclusion of the project. It is

    undetermined as to the quantity of US employees, however, it is known that United States

    services will be utilized.22

    Beyond this is has been difficult finding information regarding this matter, however, we

    are aware there are American workers are working there and have been for some time. For

    example, in 1997 around the same time that American tourists were told to leave Albania, the US

    government ordered any nonessential workers to leave the country immediately by commercial

    airlines. Specifically 160 US workers were to leave the country, with these workers being

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    nonessential, there is the possibility that essential US workers stayed behind in Albania to

    continue working. It was also noted there were 2,000 private US citizens in Albania at the

    time.23

    17) Demographics:

    Population: (est. July 2006)

    3,600,000

    Age Distribution: (est. July 2006)

    0-14 years: 24.8% ( 464,954 male/423,003 female)

    15-65 years: 63.3% (1,214,924 male/1,158,562 female)

    65 years + : 8.9% (148,028 male/ 172,166 female)

    Rural vs. Urban:

    Since 1990, a substantial amount of Albanias population has moved from rural to urban

    areas.

    Urban: 57%

    Rural: 43%

    Albanias four largest cities and populations:

    Tirana(Capital): 600,000

    Duress: 175,000 (350,000 regional)

    Elbasan: 225,000

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    Shkoder: 110,000

    Population density:

    123 poeple/km2 or 318.6 people/ sq. mi.24

    18) Language:Official:

    Albanian

    Non-official -Main dialects:

    Gheg

    Tosk

    Although Albanian is predominately spoken across Albania, the Shkumbin River acts

    as a dividing line for the two main dialects, where Gheg is spoken in Northern

    Albania and Tosk is spoken in Southern Albania.

    Other Non-official dialects:

    Greek

    Vlach( Romanian)

    Slavic ( Southern Europe)25

    19) Religion:

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    In 1967, under communist rule the government completely banned religion in Albania.

    To avoid hostile situations many families and people voluntarily ended and gave-up

    practicing their religion.

    Many people lived decades without practicing religion, it had little or no meaning in their

    lives. Today religion is seen greatly indifferent by many in Albania.26

    Breakdown of:

    Muslim- 70%

    Predominate religion throughout country

    Orthodox- 20%

    Mainly reside in Southern Albania

    Roman Catholic-10%

    Northern Albania27

    20) Housing Styles:

    Urban Styles:

    Housing mainly comprised of apartment buildings to accompany the large middle-class

    found in cities (see picture, city of Duress).

    Three main housing types in urban areas:

    Rented flats

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    Privately owned family houses

    Cooperatively owned flats

    Rural Style:

    Pre-War housing in rural areas was mostly self-built, small and made of natural stone or

    rock.

    Many dwellings were completely destroyed during WWII, and that began the move

    towards urban settings and also citizens immigrating mainly to Greece.

    Common to traditional houses in Albania is ground floors used for storage. In more rural

    areas the ground floor may be used to house animals. The next floor up is typically the

    living area of the family containing a fire place, eating area, and two to three bedrooms.

    A third floor is sometimes added in urban areas for extra sleeping quarters or for

    entertainment purposes. 28

    21) Education:

    Before the Communist rule, Albanias illiteracy rate was as high as 85%! Schools were

    scarce between WWI and WWII, and education was not very important during those times.

    When the Communist Rule over took the country in 1944, the regime wanted to wipe-out

    illiteracy. The regulations became so strict that anyone between the ages of 12 and 40 who could

    not read or write, were mandated to attend classes to learn. Since these times of struggle the

    countrys literacy rate has improved remarkably (Zickel, Iwaskiw, 1994). Today the overall

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    literacy rate in Albania is 86.5%, the male literacy rate is 93.3% and female literacy rate is

    79.5%. Since the rather large population movements in the 1990s to urban areas, education has

    moved as well. Thousands of teachers moved to urban areas to follow students. In fact, the most

    dramatic shifts have been a general decrease in rural school enrollment, down as much as 30%.

    It seems as though education may be similar to religion in Albania in that the country went

    through times where school was almost non-existent and its lack of importance is still evident.

    Before 1991, there was no business education whatsoever, but that has changed. In 1991,

    many countries including Italy, the United States and Germany, provided business training

    grants, to promote business education and economic growth. With the country interested in

    foreign business, trade and relations, the country seems to realize the importance of a savvy

    business education and how it will improve their economic and social status.29

    22) Environment:

    Unfortunately under the reign of communism, Albania was heavily polluted and the

    country still remains extremely polluted today. It has been over a decade since Albania has

    emerged from communism, yet for a population today over 3.5 million there is not one waste-

    water treatment plant, a sanitary landfill or toxic-waste disposal site in the country. Recently the

    past has really caught up to the country. Being hopeful in joining the EU, the large amount of

    pollution has acted like a hurdle the country must overcome before they can successfully join.

    Albania holds high potential for the growth of Hydro-electricity (to be discussed in Natural

    resources), and provides the country with an opportunity to take advantage of green power. This

    will not only improve the environment and increase the use of green marketing, but may also

    build economic growth in the long run. Using green marketing in Albania will not only increase

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    production and satisfy consumer needs and wants, but complete that objective in an

    environmentally friendly way. Within the last two years the country has been researching wind

    and solar power, with the high cost of solar power the country sees more potential for wind

    power.30

    23) Infrastructure:

    Albania is the poorest country in Europe today, its infrastructure is generally inadequate,

    but is and remains a significant barrier to economic development.

    Also, Albanias infrastructure is said to be under-funded by the government, but is

    making progress with road rehabilitation and overall construction.

    Energy Infrastructure unfortunately cannot keep up with the countrys demand, but

    projects are coming along. For example, increased use of hydroelectricity, and the

    energy field project will be discussed in section 30.

    US infrastructure is much more developed than Albanias, not only in its complexity, but

    also strength. In the US you can basically get anywhere using any form of transportation.

    In Albania you might have to fly to one spot, to drive to another, to catch a train or a boat

    that will take you where you need to go.31

    Infrastructure Statistics:

    Airports-11 total - One Heliport in Tirana

    3 paved

    8 unpaved

    Roadways- 18,000km

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    o Many of Albanias roads are not only mountainous, but are in extremely poor

    conditions. Every year more roads are being repaired and paved, also many new

    roads are being constructed.

    7,020 km paved

    10,980 km unpaved

    Waterways- 43 km

    Marine capital goods-24 ships

    23 cargo ships

    1 foreign-owned(Turkey)

    Railways- 447 km

    Links Shkoder to Tirana, Durres, Elbasan, and many other cities.

    Pipelines-

    Gas- 339 km

    Oil- 207 km32

    24) Albanian Trade Barriers:

    Tariffs- apply to almost all products imported to Albania

    15%(maximum rate)- products such as: textiles, jewelry

    Average tax rate is 13%

    0% applied to humanitarian aid, and waste processing equipment

    Import Tax- 1% tax charged on all imports

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    Excise, Consumption and Luxury Taxes-

    Applied to luxury import products, such as: soft drinks, alcoholic beverages,

    coffee, cigarettes, and perfumes.

    o These taxes can range from 20-65 %, and are levied in addition to tariffs.

    Quotas- there are currently no quota requirements on imports to Albania

    Standards- Imports are however subject to standards and quality control, which follows

    the WTO requirements.

    Possible Export Licenses.33

    25) Ethnic Makeup:

    The ethnic breakdown in Albania is predominately Albanian, with 95% of the population

    from that background. The second largest ethnic group in Albania is Greek at 3%, followed by

    2% of other ethnic groups, which include: Gypsy, Serb, Macedonian, and Bulgarian.34

    26) Labor Force:

    Albanias labor force is comprised of about 1.1 million people, which does not take into

    account the 352,000 emigrant workers from Italy and Greece. In recent findings agriculture

    holds the highest percentage of Albanian workers at 58%. Services industry follows with 23%,

    and the manufacturing industry holds 19% of workers. Although manufacturing currently holds

    the lowest amount of workers in the labor force, production is rapidly expanding, and this figure

    will change soon.35

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    27) Cultural & Social Relations with the US:

    The United States and Albania share common cultural and social aspects, while at the

    same time each country has their own and unique differences. Albanians are known as being

    hospitable and open to strangers and tourists, and it has been known that people who live in the

    states, especially in New York, are rude to strangers and tourists. However, it is also known that

    people in the south have a certain southern charm and are hospitable as well. The culture in

    the US is known for being individualistic, yielding many different cultures and sub-cultures

    within the country. Albania also shares differences, for some Albanians have moved away and

    returned with a different aspect of culture from living in Greece or Italy. The US has many

    important icons and sees art as being important. Many Albanians also appreciate art, and many

    even have favorite artists.

    The US and Albania also share similarities in social aspects. Children in Albania are

    raised to respect elders and recognize the father as the head of the household, these upbringings

    are similar to that of the US. The two countries also share some social norms, it is common for

    people in both countries to enjoy dining out whether at a caf or restaurant.36

    28) Natural Resources:

    Albania is an interesting country in that the southern area of the country has large

    resources of Petroleum, natural gas, coal and asphalt deep underground. Unlike the south the

    north holds a variety of metallic content such as: Ferro-Chromium (chrome), Copper, ferronickel

    and cobalt. The country also has scattered deposits of bauxite, phosphorite, gold, silver, kaolin,

    magnesite, dolomite, and gypsum. Although most of Albanias high quality chrome deposits

    have been exhausted since the late 1990s, chromium products were still Albanias 3rd largest

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    export in 2005. There are huge markets for chrome products in American cities like Miami and

    Atlanta (really all large cities), where chrome rims are highly desirable, making chrome an

    important resource for Albania. Also, with the south having abundances of petroleum and gas,

    these resources are important, and will become significant for Albania in the future.37

    Due to the fact that over 70% of Albania is above sea level with large mountainous

    regions, this has provided a great potential in hydroelectric power for the country. After

    examining the countrys pollution level and desire to join the EU, taking advantage of

    hydroelectric power may spark economic growth and increased trade with US companies if the

    country succeeds in joining the EU. One possible downfall of this is droughts. In the late 1980s

    and 1990 the country dealt with severe droughts and hydro-power dried-up, and only resumed in

    1991, when heavy rainfall returned. In 2004, Albanias Prime Minister urged US investors to see

    potential in Albanian natural resources, in a speech held in New York.38

    29) Distribution System:

    Albanias distribution system is similar to many other countries, including that of the US.

    The country markets and distributes goods using a number of methods including: merchants,

    agents, middlemen, retailers and wholesalers. Although these systems are all in place, it was

    noted these systems are much less sophisticated than that of the rest of Europe. One important

    and interesting fact is that Albanians are price sensitive, and with that in mind, keeping

    middlemen out of the picture to keep costs low would be one important strategy. Typically when

    selling average consumer products in Albania, one agent or distributor can cover the entire

    country effectively.39

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    30) US Investment Potential:

    Within the last few years US businesses have begun to play a major role in Albania. In

    fact, in April of 2006 the US funded the largest FDI ever in Albania, $1.9 Billion on an

    energy field that is expected when complete to provide Albania with all the power and

    gas they need.

    This project is anticipating use of over $600 million in US equipment and services.

    Also, the US using the Ex-Im Bank is furthering the opportunities for FDI, providing

    more business to US companies. 40

    There are several ways a US firm can got products into Albania, these include:

    Joint Ventures- Local firm already set-up, helps foreign firm

    Selling to Government- must develop relationship; US companies say they are

    pressured with Kickbacks.

    Sales Channels

    Franchising/Direct Marketing- both new and growing concepts in Albania, but

    expanding.

    Quite interesting are some of the company names that export to Albania, some include:

    Coca-Cola/Pepsi

    P&G/Gillette

    General Electric41

    31) Ultimate Consumer Products:

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    We called the US Embassy in Tirana, just to talk to an Albanian. We will discuss this

    more in our presentation, but wanted you to know we did this.

    Member 1:

    Product 1- Cigarettes: After discovering Albania produces a significant amount of

    tobacco, it would possibly provide potential not only for our company but Albania

    as well. This would be possible because we could purchase Albanian tobacco,

    decreasing our import costs and tariffs, at the same time we would be boosting

    revenue for Albania. Although the country is poor, utilizing the countrys tobacco

    will help keep the price low for our customers, while keeping that western appeal.

    Product 2- Yoyos: Marketing Yoyos in a poor country may have potential

    because Yoyos are a cheap form of entertainment. There also may be a large

    market for our product with about 65% of the countrys population between the

    ages of 15 and 65. After the product has had so much success back in the States,

    our company may have a great opportunity. With discretionary income slowly

    rising, but not to the point they can afford cell phones and other hand held

    electronics, kids and young adults will want a form of inexpensive entertainment.

    Member 2:

    Product 3- Shampoo: When speaking to the man at the embassy, we discovered he

    only washed his hair with soap maybe once every two weeks. Therefore it was

    clear that shampoo has potential in the market as discretionary income slowly

    rises. Beyond income rising, as people have more money they may want the

    western feel of washing their hair with soap, even if bottled in small containers.

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    Product 4- Credit Cards: As Albania is slowly repairing itself, people are going to

    need a service that can help them. Although the country is poor, extending a line

    of credit can provide not only the citizens of the country, but also the government

    with the ability to strengthen the economy. Being a service there would be little

    to no inventory, production costs, or transportation costs.

    32) Level of Commitment for Products:

    When thinking of products we remembered that it is important to understand that

    products have different levels of commitment, depending on several factors within a

    country and markets within other countries.

    Product 1- Cigarettes We would introduce our product in an ethnocentric manner

    using a western appeal to attract consumers. After time we could possibly market the

    product in Greece also due to the products western appeal, perhaps making it a

    regiocentric product, depending on our level of success.

    Product 2-YoYos The product would be on the geocentric level, because no matter

    where the product is sold a yoyo will basically still be a yoyo. This product could be

    sold on a global basis, with very little differences yoyo to yoyo.

    Product 3- Shampoo Regiocentric product. Northern Europeans may want and

    need a different shampoo formula than Southern Europeans (difference in thickness

    and oils, also difference in water types). Developing a formula to sell in one region

    and not another suggests these products are modified based on consumers

    preferences.

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    Product 4-Credit Cards The same service our company provides can be obtained

    literally anywhere in the world, placing it a geocentric level. We label it as geocentric

    because anywhere in the world we will extend credit to people we have accepted and

    there will be no significant differences between the cards and interests rates in one

    country versus another.

    BIBLIOGRAPGHY:

    Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. Background Note: Albania. October 2006.US Department of State. Retrieved Feb 16, 2007, Website:http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htm.

    Dashi, Omer, Nikolla, Frank. (2004, July 30). Albania: 2004 Country Commercial Guide.Retrieved March 8, 2007, Website:http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/imr-ri.nsf/en/gr126287e.html.

    The Library of Congress. Albania: Family Life. Nov. 07, 2005. Retrieved Mar. 10, 2007,Website: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/altoc.html.

    The World Factbook. CIA- The World Factbook- Albania. Feb 08 2007. Retrieved Feb 14 2007,Website:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Albania#Education_in_the_New_Albania.

    Ries, Marcie B. (2006, April 25). Embassy of Unites States-Tirana: Albania.Retrieved March 8, 2007, Website:http://tirana.usembassy.gov/06pr_0421.html.

    State Department: Albania-Travel Warning. Mar 1997. Retrieved Feb 25, 2007, website:http://www.hri.org/docs/USSD-Travel/Albania.97-007.html.

    US Commercial Service. How to Export to Albania. August 2005. US Department ofCommerce. Retrieved Feb 23, 2007, Website:http://www.buyusa.gov/albania/en/exportalb.html.

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    http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htmhttp://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htmhttp://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/imr-ri.nsf/en/gr126287e.htmlhttp://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/altoc.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Albania#Education_in_the_New_Albaniahttp://tirana.usembassy.gov/06pr_0421.htmlhttp://tirana.usembassy.gov/06pr_0421.htmlhttp://www.hri.org/docs/USSD-Travel/Albania.97-007.htmlhttp://www.buyusa.gov/albania/en/exportalb.htmlhttp://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htmhttp://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/imr-ri.nsf/en/gr126287e.htmlhttp://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/altoc.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Albania#Education_in_the_New_Albaniahttp://tirana.usembassy.gov/06pr_0421.htmlhttp://www.hri.org/docs/USSD-Travel/Albania.97-007.htmlhttp://www.buyusa.gov/albania/en/exportalb.html
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    World News Story Page. U.S. orders nonessential workers out of Albania. Mar.1997Retrieved Feb 25, 2007, Website:http://www.cnn.com/world/9703/12/albania.us/index.html.

    Woodard, Colin. "Can They Blame Ya, Albania." Environmental News and Commentary.Apr. 13 2005. Retrieved 2 Mar 2007, Website:http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2005/04/13/woodard-albania/.

    Zickel, Raymond, Iwaskiw, Walter. "Albania: A Country Study." US Library of Congress, 1994.Retrieved Feb 18, 2007, Website: http://countrystudies.us/albania/index.htm.

    25

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    1 CIA- The World Factbook- Albania. Updated Feb. 08 2007, p.1.2 Dashi, Nikola. Albania: 2004 County Commercial Guide.2004.3 The World Factbook, p. 2.4 Zickel, Iwaskiw. Albania: A Country Study. US Library of Congress5 The World Factbook, p. 7.6 Albania: Family Life. The Library of Congress, 2005.7 State Department, Albania-Travel Warning, 1997.8 The World Factbook, p.3.9 Background Note: Albania. US Dept. of State. Oct.2006.10 Background Note: Albania.11 The World Factbook. P.7.12 The World Factbook. P.8.13 Trade with Albania: 2007, p.1.14 Albania: A Country Study15 AATDA, 2007.16 Background Note: Albania.17 Albania: A Country Study18 Dashi, Nikola. Albania: 2004 County Commercial Guide.19 Tirana Times, 2007.20Zickel, Iwaskiw, 1994.21 Dashi, Nikola. Albania: 2004 County Commercial Guide22 Reis.Embassy of Unites States-Tirana: Albania.2006.23 World News Story Page. 1997.24 Woodard. Can They Blame You AlbaniaApr.2005.25 The World Factbook, p. 5.26 Islamic Heritage. Religiosity and Indifference.27 The World Factbook, p. 5.28 Dashi, Nikola. Albania: 2004 County Commercial Guide.29 The World Factbook, p. 6.30 Woodard, 2005.31 Background Note: Albania.32 The World Factbook, p. 10.33 How to Export to Albania. US Dept. of Commerce. 2005.34 The World Factbook, p. 4.35

    Albania: A Country Study.36 Albania: 2004 Country Commercial Guide.37 Zickel, Iwaskiw. 1994.38 Albania: 2004 Country Commercial Guide.39 How to Export to Albania.40 Reis, 2006.41 How to Export to Albania. 2005.