
Access to finance, geopolitical uncertainty and the digital transformation of the financial sector were the focus of the international conference "Trade Finance and Factoring Conference 2026", organized by (International Chamber of Commerce for Albania) ICC Albania in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The conference brought together representatives of financial institutions, commercial banks, public institutions and international experts to discuss opportunities to expand trade financing and strengthen the competitiveness of Albanian businesses in global markets.
The event opened with the presentation of key findings from the ICC Global Trade Intelligence Survey 2026, a survey of 100 banking sector experts globally. According to the results, geopolitical uncertainty and changes in trade policies remain among the industry’s top concerns, while digital transformation and automation rank among the top five strategic priorities for around 75% of respondents.
In his welcoming remarks, Hannes Takacs, EBRD Country Manager in Albania, highlighted the potential of trade finance for private sector development in Albania, emphasizing that these instruments are not only important for large companies, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Referring to the findings of the global report, Ardita Seknaj, Secretary General of ICC Albania, emphasized that Albania faces many of the same challenges that are evident globally, but must accelerate the development of financial instruments, digitalization, and market adaptation to the needs of businesses.
Through panel discussions, local and international experts addressed the role of banks in connecting Albania to global markets, trade finance instruments, and opportunities for supporting Albanian exporters and importers. Special attention was paid to green trade financing, international standards, and the development of financial solutions that support sustainable economic growth.
Digital transformation was another central topic, with discussions on the use of artificial intelligence, automation, electronic commercial documentation, and collaboration between banks and fintech companies as opportunities to speed up transactions and reduce costs for businesses.
A dedicated space was also reserved for factoring, as an instrument that enables companies to secure liquidity by converting unpaid invoices into available funds before the collection deadline. This mechanism constitutes a particularly important opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them manage working capital, finance new orders and expand their activity.
The importance of these instruments goes beyond the banking sector. According to the World Trade Organization, around 80–90% of world trade relies on forms of trade finance, demonstrating their essential role in the functioning of international supply chains.
The "Trade Finance and Factoring Conference 2026" served as a platform for dialogue between the financial sector, public institutions and the business community, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, innovation and expanding access to financing to support the growth and competitiveness of Albanian businesses in international markets.