Albanian investment group BALFIN has set up a new unit, BALFIN Americas, expanding its footprint on two continents, its founder and president Samir Mane said.
Thirty years after it was established, BALFIN Group is now an organisation with over 5,000 employees in eight industries, Mane said at an event marking the anniversary. The event was attended by employees and partners of the group from 35 countries, including officials of the International Finance Corporation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, representatives of major electronic brands, such as Samsung and Beko, and of the international retail giants such as SPAR, Jumbo and Inditex.
"I believe that we can all affirm the great changes that BALFIN Group has brought wherever it has invested, developing geographic areas, empowering businesses and improving the lives of citizens," Mane said.
Since its establishment, BALFIN Group has been playing an active role as one of the most important investment groups in the Western Balkans. The companies within the group operate in the fields of real estate, wholesale and retail, banking, asset management, tourism, media, and logistics, making a tangible impact in the community, through economic development, employment, and social investments.
The BALFIN Group president also announced the creation of Mane Foundation, a charity fund financed by him.
"This foundation will be my new commitment, which I want to accomplish with the same success as BALFIN Group. Soon, every one of you will be able to contribute," Mane said. The Mane Foundation will follow the example of the best international models, for supporting initiatives related to education and youth, environmental issues, as well as those that affect the mitigation of poverty and inequality.
Speaking at the same event, the CEO of BALFIN Group, Edlira Muka, said, “The presence of BALFIN Group in 10 countries and many sectors of the economy shows the strength of this investment group. With unwavering belief in the capacity of employees and specialized knowledge, and the willingness to go along with ambitious global projects, we will continue to build a better future for our families and the communities where we invest.”