OSCE Presence in Albania, Canadian government promote corporate social responsibility in extractive industries

TIRANA, 19 February 2013 - The OSCE Presence in Albania and the Canadian Embassy organized a workshop today in Tirana on corporate social responsibility in the extractive industries.

The aim of the workshop is to raise the awareness of the authorities and the business community of the need to inform and involve local communities in the development of natural resource projects.

“The management of natural resources can be most effective and accepted when communities are involved. Communication and dialogue are the right tools. Lack of public information and community participation in development projects will almost inevitably lead to mistrust and problems even in the soundest projects,” said the Head of the OSCE Presence, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, at the event.

Other key speakers included Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy Edmond Haxhinasto and Canadian Ambassador James A. Fox.

At the event, two local experts contracted by the OSCE Presence presented a situation analysis report on the eight main domestic and foreign companies operating in the oil and gas, mining, cement production and hydropower sectors.

The workshop is part of the OSCE Presence’s activities to promote good governance in Albania.