The second stage of the MCC Albania Threshold Program is a two-year, $15.7 million agreement between Albania and the United States, funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and administered by USAID, which aims to strengthen the rule of law, reduce corruption and increase public oversight, thereby improving the business environment in Albania through IT solutions and technical assistance.
The MCC Albania Threshold Program II builds upon the successes achieved during stage I of the MCC Albania Threshold Program, which included the establishment of the National Registration Center and the Procurement Advocate office, the enactment of the new tax procedure law, as well as the introduction of three major e-government services: e-registration, e-procurement, and e-filing.
The MCC Albania Threshold Program II supports reforms in the following main areas:
Administrative Court System: The program works to increase judicial capacity, reduce opportunities for corruption, and build investor confidence by supporting the planned administrative court system. Key initiatives include providing technical assistance, training, IT systems, and equipment to establish a Tirana-based administrative court.
Tax Administration Reform: The program continues work to modernize tax administration based on the 2008 tax procedures law. Key initiatives include expanding e-filing and taxpayer services, establishing a Criminal Investigative Unit, strengthening the tax audit function, and establishing the Taxpayers Consultative Council.
Business Licensing Reform: Following the successful model of the National Registration Center, the program supported the establishment and helps the operation of a ‘one stop shop’ National Licensing Center that allows businesses to submit and track standardized business license applications electronically.
Territorial Planning: Based on the new Law on Territorial Planning approved in April 2009, the program works to establish a National Planning Registry that will streamline the building planning process and reduce opportunities for corruption in building planning and permitting process.
Private Sector and Civil Society Engagement: The program supports nonprofit and business associations to contribute in achieving MCCA2 goals by assisting with policy changes, monitoring program-supported reforms, and advocating for improved anti-corruption measures. Efforts continue to educate businesses and the public regarding opportunities and services developed with the program’s support.
Anti-corruption Investigative Efforts: The program helps establish Special Investigative Units in prosecutor’s offices in districts outside Tirana to strengthen efforts to combat corruption-related and economic crimes. This program component is implemented with assistance by the U.S. Department of Justice.
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STAGE I RESULTS: September 2006 – October 2008
 Easier, one day, one-stop business registration (the National Registration Center);
Full and easy access to tender documents, increased competition for public tenders (e-procurement);
Expanded oversight by the business community on public procurement (the Procurement Advocate);
Mission of the tax administration reformed from meeting revenue targets to pursuing revenue through voluntary compliance (the new tax procedure law);
Easy, modern, and transparent services for taxpayers (e-tax and taxpayer services); Improved business climate in Albania. |