INTESA SANPAOLO BANK ALBANIA LAUNCHES

Tirana, March 6, 2023: Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, part of Intesa Sanpaolo Group, on its 15^th year of successful operation in Albania is launching Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania Awards dedicated to Albanian Businesses; an initiative for the enhancement of small and medium-sized enterprises which represent an example of entrepreneurial excellence capable of reacting successfully to the delicate and constant changes of business context.

Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania monitors closely the development of local economy and supports businesses development by offering to them innovative products and services of the highest international standards. Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania has decided to establish these awards not only to acknowledge best performances but also to present the achievement of these companies to a broader audience.

On their first launch, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania Awards will be focused on the segments of Small Medium Enterprises (SME) & Small Businesses (SB) to highlight their importance in the development of local economy. A special jury has been created for each category that is comprised of experts in the field that come from Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania and external collaborators.

Among numerous clients of our Bank in the segments of SME & SB, 60 companies will be selected that stand out for their performance in projects or achieved results in terms of Financial Results, Innovation, Development in the areas of Tourism and Agriculture and ESG Initiatives. There will be five shortlisted companies for each award category. These are companies with an innovative and sustainable profile, often little known but capable of creating added value for the country and the labor market. There are also two thematic focuses: one dedicated to agribusiness, a fundamental industry that represents an increasing trend in the country’s GDP and tourism a sector which, after having suffered greatly from the effects of the pandemic, is proving to be decisive industry that is rapidly evolving for the country thus including Albania in one of the top destinations for 2023. Both these industries have an impact not only in terms of economic development but also in the employment of people living in rural areas. Particular attention will be given to diversity and inclusion in the business; thus, awarding successful women in business.

The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony; a final event of national importance with the presence of local stakeholders and media will be organized on May 25, 2023; aimed at all the 60 Companies, which will present a multi-voice comparison on the success factors of Albanian entrepreneurship. 

Mr. Alessandro D’ Oria, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania stated: “This initiative aims to offer an opportunity to our clients to be included in these awards to support growth and visibility at national level for their efforts in business development in the areas that are the backbone of the local economy. We will continue to offer our expertise and support to all businesses in their journey to innovation and sustainability.”

About Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania: Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, is a leading bank in the country offering quality banking services, financial solutions, innovative products and services to corporate, institutional and high net worth clients, small and medium businesses and individual customers. We encourage a growth style that is attentive to sustainable results and creating a process based on trust that derives from customer and shareholder satisfaction, a sense of belonging on the part of our employees and close monitoring of the needs of communities. local. We compete in the market with a sense of fair play and are ready to cooperate with other economic entities, public and private, whenever necessary, strengthening the overall capacity for growth in the economies of the countries where we operate. Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania bought Veneto Bank in 2017 and now has a network of 35 branches in different cities of the country and will continue to expand strategically following closely the economic development of Albania. Trust, innovation, simplicity and consistency define our relationships with our customers and business innovation and service excellence are inspired by our customers. Official website: www.intesasanpaolobank.al

About Intesa Sanpaolo: Intesa Sanpaolo is Italy's leading banking group – serving households, businesses and the domestic economy – with a significant international presence. Intesa Sanpaolo's distinctive business model makes it a European leader in Wealth Management, Protection and Financial Advisory, with a particular focus on digital and fintech development. An efficient and resilient bank, it benefits from wholly owned businesses for product development, asset management and insurance. The Group's ongoing commitment to QMS principles includes providing €115 billion in lending for projects with social and environmental impact by 2025 for communities and the circular economy, and €500 million in contributions to support people most in need, positioning Intesa Sanpaolo as a world leader in terms of social impact. Intesa Sanpaolo is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030 for its own emissions and by 2050 for its loan and investment portfolios. A committed supporter of Italian culture, the Intesa Sanpaolo Group has created its own network of museums, Galleri d'Italia, to present the bank's artistic heritage but also as a space for the development of prestigious cultural projects.

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