Donor: USAID

Implementation Period: 2004 – 2009

Value:$ 430.007

Description:

EDEM project focused on increasing economic opportunity to raise the standard of living and facilitate Albania’s entrance into the global marketplace. In order to improve competitiveness, the project assisted Albanian businesses to increase the effectiveness of their operations by supporting their efforts to implement management plans, marketing and promotional strategies, develop new products, and upgrade their technologies.

IDRA supported the USAID/EDEM project with useful market development, research and consulting services including:

• Retail Market Survey – A survey that captured for the first time in Albania the competitiveness of Albanian domestic agricultural and processed food at retail level. The study identified constraints and opportunities for domestic processed meat, olive oil, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Cold Storage / Post Harvesting Study - a comprehensive survey of the whole Cold Chain system from farm to market for several agriculture commodities. The survey provided useful findings and recommendations for farmers, consolidators, cold storage owners, and transporters.
• Meat Processing Study – a survey that explored consumption habits and market positioning in order to assist Albanian meat processors in their marketing aspects.
• Market Research for Sejega Company – a research study that identified and analyzed consumer needs, market size and competition for this advanced processing company.

Another EDEM component that IDRA has been in charge, has been the production of several Business Guides for private sector. Among those we can mention:

• Licensing guide – a full practical guide of all licenses and permits that a business might need in Albania.
• Tax Guide – A guide of Albanian tax system
• Export Guide – A practical export guide for Albanian businesses
• Public Procurement Guide – A guide of all legal and procedural requirement for public procurement in Albania

Standards and Certification Guide – a quick reference guide to Quality, Organic, Environmental, Health and Safety, and Social standards for Albanian businesses.