Based on the February 2009 law on licenses, which reforms business licensing procedures, a remaining source of corruption and a barrier to business operation in Albania, the Business Licensing Component of the MCC Albania Threshold Program II supports the establishment and operation of a system to submit and track standardized business license applications electronically, through a one-stop-shop National Licensing Center (NLC).

The Business Licensing Component of MCCA2 works to achieve the following results:

NLC established with streamlined procedures and regional service windows. This includes support for the opening of a one-stop-shop center for licensing, as well as its functioning based on an IT system that can support a network of service windows throughout the country.

Licenses submitted and tracked electronically, and interagency data exchanges occurring regularly. The features of the NLC system include building a national business license register, and the capability to submit and track applications online, while allowing for
a continuous exchange of data with other institutions.

Public aware of and monitoring NLC. This includes organizing a public information campaign, helping NLC create and operate a public information unit, and support for civic monitoring activities.

BUSINESS LICENSING: MCCA2 GOALS AND TARGETS   Create a system to submit and track standardized business licenses electronically, using a “one-stop shop” concept and simplified procedures   National Licensing Center opened in Tirana by June 2009, and expanding its operation in the regions  Building and promoting awareness of the NLC services among the business community and the public at large ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUSINESS LICENSING: MCCA2 KEY YEAR 1 ACCOMPLISHMENTS  Opening the NLC. Following Parliament’s mandate of the creation of the NLC and reduction of the number of national license/permit categories from more than 200 to 65, MCCA2 drafted secondary legislation and harmonizing amendments that transferred responsibility for processing applications from the line ministries for 45 categories to the NLC. After several months of intensive project support — including designing an IT system for the NLC, furnishing the NLC building, training its staff, and conducting a multichannel nationwide publicity campaign to inform Albanians businesses and public at large about the NLC — the new center opened its headquarters in June 2009 and began accepting applications. Between its opening and the end of 2009, the NLC processed more than 1,000 applications.   NLC e-licensing system. MCCA2 developed software that quickly and transparently processes business licensing applications and other related procedures. The software features a Register of all licenses and permits in Albania that can be reviewed online by the public; a tracking service that allows businesses to apply for and monitor the progress of their license applications online; and a detailed online information about licensing procedures and criteria. The NLC database is linked with the databases of business registration and tax authorities.  Expanding NLC services to the regions. By the end of 2009, the NLC was also offering services in the municipalities of Korca, Shkodra and Vlora. As a result of an interagency agreement promoted by the program between the National Registration Center (NRC) and the NLC, the NLC regional facilities are co-located with the regional service windows of the NRC, further promoting the one-stop shop concept, and helping to establish the image of Albania as a business-friendly environment. For more information on the Business Licensing Component progress, please visit our Publications pages: Newsletter, Fact sheets, Information kits and Success Stories.