Activities related with foreign investments The rapid growth of the economy has been particularly evident in Tirana, where the city has been transformed by the burgeoning of small businesses and the rapid increase in construction activity. Much of this investment has been financed by remittances from Albanians working abroad. A number of larger developments involving foreign investors have also taken place, including the development of three international standard hotels and a Coca-Cola bottling plant. Other investments are starting up. Similar trends in entrepreneurial activity can be seen in other towns.
Investors have however to take into consideration the difficulties the country is going through.
After the crumbling of the high interest saving scheme in 1997, violent civil strife began, which derailed economic progress. The unrest increased the deficit and the country was assisted with foreign aid during the emergency stage and still continues to receive international assistance. The IMF approved a 46 mln. The IMF has approved a 46 mln. USD three-year loan, and some 300 mln.