American Dreams: The love affair between Albania and the USA
It is no secret that Albanians have maintained a deep love affair with the United States dating back to when President Woodrow Wilson, after World War I, stood up to the triumphant nations of Europe and asserted that Albania was a true nation and that its borders had to be protected and conserved. Since that day, Albanians have been the first to sing the praises of the American nation with millions making it their home.
Prior to World War I, Albanians migrated to the USA because of poor economic circumstances, political anxieties, or to flee military recruitment into the Turkish army with the hope of discovering greater opportunities and democratic freedom. After World War II, Enver Hoxha and the Communists took the Balkan land over, sealing the country off from the rest of the world and when he died in 1985 along with the Communist regime, Albanians looked to the United States for guidance. This historical adoration for the USA was certainly highlighted when George Bush visited Albania back in 2007 and was greeted by deafening cheers and waving American flags, somewhat different to the icy reception and protests witnessed in other European countries with the tiny Albanian village in Fushe Kruge unveiling a statue of him, in a square named in his honour earlier this year.
Interestingly, when it comes to living in the United States, Albanians are the most recent group of Europeans to immigrate, settling across the country in places like Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois and New York. Indeed, Albanians have become one of the most successful groups of immigrants, working and indeed owning all kinds of businesses including real estate, restaurants and construction companies as well as providing some talented actors including James Belushi and Eliza Dushku, supermodel Emina Cunmulaj and astronaut William G. Gregory as well as politicians and sporting stars to name a few.
Another famous face that has warmed to the charms of Albania saw America’s most famous property tycoon Donald Trump give a warm address via video link to construction and real estate professionals at a gala dinner at last week’s RealEX Awards in Albania, displaying a sincere interest in the Balkan nation without ruling out the potential opening of a future Trump Tower in Tirana.
As a way of continuing Albania’s and America’s relationship, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa will be launching their US marketing programme this month with sponsorship of the first US – Albania Investment Forum.
Ravin Maharajah, partner in Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, the 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments,
“The first US-Albanian investment forum this month is a perfect way for Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa to build awareness of our product in the US, which we hope will prove very successful given the solid bond between the two countries and its people.”
The event organised by The Consul General of the Republic of Albania in New York and Developing Marketing Associates Ltd (DMA) will be launching the first US-Albania Investment Forum taking place on Monday 19th September 2011, at the 3 West Club in New York City. The event will provide a broad picture of the current economic climate and growing foreign investment in Albania as well as highlighting the vast investment opportunities within the country with representatives from multilaterals, ministries, the Bank of Albania, the private sector and business associations.
If you are an investor, Albanian expatriate, or agent in the USA and are interested in meeting with the Lalzit Bay team during our time in New York, please contact Peter Walshe on +44 208 734 3962 or through the website http://www.lalzitbay.com/contact-us.