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Interviews

"Albania- A Gateway for International Busines"- says Hiten Arya, CEO, Hiten Group

SME World Correspondent
Sep 2011

Hiten Events, an innovative, global events company based in the UK was founded in 2009 by Hiten Arya, Founder and CEO, Hiten Group. The company strives to play a key role as a catalyst for international trade. Hiten Events is organising India –Albania Trade Expo, in Tirana, Albania from November 4 to 6 this year.

Faced with another slowing down in the global markets, Indian exporters are no longer keen at building and sustaining new trade relationships with countries like UK, USA and Western Europe. They are exploring newer markets and Eastern Europe presents a very lucrative picture.

“Countries like Albania have a very high import percentage, and are looking for quality and reliable, yet economical suppliers. This gap could be filled in by Indian exporters! It is already well established that Indian suppliers have high quality standards and are cost effective as well,” says Hiten.

Hiten Events which recognizes the fact that a new relationship could be built between India and Albania is working with the Chamber of Commerce of Albania to conduct and manage the India –Albania Trade Expo.

Hiten Arya shares more in a conversation with SME WORLD.

What is the model on which the state of albania works as a trade gateway to east european countries?

Albania is growing its economy at a steady pace, along with being associated with a low rate of inflation and a strong “pro-business” and foreign investment attitude. The government of Albania intends the country to be the gateway for international business across the south eastern European region.

Armed with free trade agreements with Balkan countries, Albania is already using itself as a gateway for its own manufacturers. The same infrastructure can be used to open up trade with several other east European countries, using Albania as an access point.

In your view what are the strengths of the large indian smes sector?

SMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing considerably to the country's GDP as well. In recent times, Indian SMEs have evolved far beyond their roles of simply being manufacturers and suppliers.

Along with being flexible and far quicker to adapt to change as compared to their peers, Indian SMEs are also considered to be far more trustworthy and professional in their business transactions. Amazingly, the demand for “made in India” goods is rising globally as Indian manufacturers are competitively priced and capable of better quality of production.

What are the industry verticals which have a fair potential for exports?

The south eastern European region is currently booming with demand for foreign suppliers. With high import percentages and low in-house manufacturing facilities, these countries are swiftly expressing their requirements.

India, with a huge supplier base across various industry verticals, is an apt trade partner with upcoming import countries like Albania. Verticals like textiles, food and beverage, heavy machinery, industry chemicals, pharmaceuticals and almost all other verticals have a great export potential.

What is present indo-albania trade scenario and are any targets set by the government of albania?

This question has been forwarded to the Chamber of Commerce –Albania and we are awaiting reply.

What are the broad advantages/attractions for inducing direct investments in albania?

The Albanian government being very business friendly has worked on certain policies to ensure ease of access and maximum foreign investments in the country. Direct investors are benefited with tax exemptions on profit reinvested in Albania along with full profit and dividend repatriation.

Albania also offers equal treatment while giving preferential protection to foreign investors. Already having bilateral trade agreements gives investors a gateway to several other east European countries, and with the help of special treaties, double taxes are avoided as well.

Besides india, what other countries hiten events is targeting?

At Hiten Events, we believe that each trade event is different and requires special attention from our side. We customize our services according to the needs of the affair. As being a complete end-to-ends solution company takes up a lot of our resources, we prefer focusing on one project at a time.

In spite of that, we are always in the process of looking out for newer, exciting destinations to promote international trade and we will take up mediating for the same as necessary.

Please find more information about the Expo at .http://www.hiten-events.com/events/india-albania-trade-expo.

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