Tag: economic growth

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE IN ALBANIA AND ITS IMPACT ON GDP

Antoneta POLO

Assoc.Prof.,”Eqrem Çabej” University, Gjirokastra, Albania

neta_polo@yahoo.com

Enkela CACA

Assoc. Prof.,”Eqrem Çabej” University, Gjirokastra, Albania

ebabaramo@yahoo.com

Ilirjana ZYBERI

Assoc. Prof.,”Eqrem Çabej” University, Gjirokastra, Albania

izyberi@yahoo.com

Christos Ap. LADIAS

Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal, Greece

Ladias@rsijournal.eu

Filipos RUXHO

Faculty of Agribusiness, University of Haxhi Zeka, Peja, Kosovo,

filipos.ruxho@unhz.eu

Abstract

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in real estate has played an increasingly significant role in Albania’s economic development, particularly over the past decade. This paper examines the relationship between real estate FDI and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Albania over a five-year period, analyzing whether foreign investment in the real estate sector has acted as a driver of economic growth or merely reflected broader macroeconomic trends.

Our empirical findings suggest that  FDI in real estate (RE) has had a positive contribution to GDP growth, particularly through increased urban development and rising property values in key economic centers like Tirana and coastal cities.

This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for strategic reforms to enhance the benefits of real estate FDI while mitigating risks associated with speculative activities.

This study, also, contributes to the literature on FDI and economic growth, offering a case-specific analysis of Albania and providing policy recommendations for optimizing the benefits of foreign investments in real estate.

Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Real Estate, Economic Growth, GDP, Albania, Regression Analysis

JEL classification: F21, R 30, E01,

pp. 135-142

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GRADUALLY SHIFTING THE NATIONAL PRODUCTION MODEL’S CENTER OF GRAVITY: INVESTING IN REGIONAL COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES FOR DEMOGRAPHIC RESTRUCTURING

Theodoros DIMOPOULOS

Researscher, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly

tdimopoulos@uth.gr

Aristi TSOKANI

Researscher, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly

atsokani@uth.gr

Christos GENITSAROPOULOS

Post-doctoral Researcher, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly

cgenits@uth.gr

Georgios XANTHOS

Associate Professor, Department of Business Administration & Tourism, School of Management and Economics Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University

xanthosg@hmu.gr

Angeliki MENEGAKI

Professor, Department of Business Administration & Tourism, School of Management and Economics Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University

amenegaki@hmu.gr

Eleni KAPRELI

Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly

ekapreli@uth.gr

Nikolaos STRIMPAKOS

Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly

nikstrimp@uth.gr

Abstract

Greece records an extremely negative performance in terms of balance between birth and death rates while existing data highlight a clear imbalance regarding population outflow. The paper intends to portray the demographic trajectory both at an EU and at a national level, coupled with providing at a certain extend insights about relevant projections. Additionally, the paper emphasizes on the case of Fthiotida (a Regional Unity falling within the Region of Central Greece) and the depopulation recorded between 2011-2021, while it describes Central Greece’s current tourism performance and its impact in terms of economic indicators. Taking those into consideration the paper’s initial purpose is to provide various insights to promote current public discourse on the necessity of the effective utilization of the region’s natural thermal resources as a mean that may result in attracting investments related to tourism industry, creating sustainable and well-paid health-related jobs, and subsequently build the foundations of curtailing demographic vaporization taking place in the forementioned area. The methodological approach adopted is related to the review and content analysis of current literature, subsequent inputs included in institutional reports, data derived by official documentation and high institutional level interventions taken place within the public discourse. The paper concludes to the well-founded assumption that exploiting Fthiotida’s natural resources in terms of thermal/hot springs, as a complementary component, may contribute to the creation of an integrated tourism product, able to support regional economy, enforce the argument of gradual shifting the country’s productive model center of gravity, starting from certain sectors which are able to thrive in Greek regions, and establish conditions that may put a curb on population bloodletting.

Keywords: demography, tourism, economic growth, Greece, Fthiotida

pp. 51-72

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REGIONAL EMPLOYEES PERCEPTIONS ON DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: LABOUR MARKET OF ALBANIA AND KOSOVO

Filipos RUXHO

Professor Ass. Dr., Department of Business and Management, Universum College, Kosovo.

filip.ruxho@universum-ks.org

Christos Ap. LADIAS

Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal

ladias@rsijournal.eu

Ali TAFARSHIKU

Deputy Minister, Ministry of Regional Development of Kosovo.

ali.tafarshiku@rks-gov.net

Edib ABAZI

Professor Ass. Dr., Department of Law, Social and Political Studies, Universum College, Kosovo.

edib.abazi@universum-ks.org

Corresponding Author

Abstract

This research paper is a continuum of our previous research that aimed to identify key perceptions of targeted employees towards decent work and economic growth in labour market of Albania and Kosovo. The key components of SDG 8 – economic growth, basic living costs, equal treatment, safety and security at workplace, and integrity and wellbeing are measured. The questionnaire is used for the study purposes of the research.  The sample consists of 350 respondents. Findings reveal that there are alarming differences on perceptions of respondents in terms of decent work between two regional labour markets. The labour market in Albania suffers from weak treatment of employees at workplace; ensuring safe and secured working environment and low promotion of wellbeing and integrity of employees in workplace. The dimension of economic growth and basic living cost is of concern for both labour markets. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that both states address decent work in labour markets of Albania and Kosovo with priority. State instruments shall be enforced to closely cooperate with employee’s organizations and syndicates and work on elimination of core barriers that disable employees to feel equally treated at workplace, or safe and secured at workplace or having their integrity and wellbeing protected so that quality of working environment improves and involvement and productivity of employees grows.

Keywords: abour market, economic growth, decent work

JEL classification: J30, J40, R10, R11, R23, O10

 pp. 13-23

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