Straife, a global risk management and compliance consultancy firm, has launched a joint venture in Albania with local law firm Hyseni Associates to boost the region's energy and infrastructure sectors.
The Houston-based company is opening an office in Tirana, Albania, which will also serve as Straife’s headquarters for the entire Balkan region. The Tirana office will become Straife’s latest international location following the recently announced Istanbul office.
Straife provides expert-led, technology-driven risk management solutions to corporate and government clients. Leveraging decades of experience in finance, government, and global project development, the firm has already contributed to energy security efforts in the Balkans – including efforts to diversify natural gas markets through its client, Linden Energy, chaired by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
"Straife’s permanent presence in the Balkans is a natural extension of our previous efforts in Albania," Joseph Fleming, CEO of Straife, said.
The Western Balkans is crucial to the European – and overall global – energy map because of gas interconnectors, potential LNG terminals, and new supply routes. Representatives for Straife said the new Balkans office would benefit from Europe’s ever-increasing call to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
“Over the last few years, we have worked closely with Straife as our nation strives for energy diversification and independence. With the vast opportunities for significant investments from the EU and our American friends, we are enthusiastic about the strong long-term development outcomes. Together, we are highly committed to supporting economic growth and profitability across various sectors in the region,” explained Alket Hyeseni, Founder of Hyeseni & Associates and Director of Straife’s Balkan headquarters.
Fleming continued, “the conditions are ripe for expansion, especially as recent geopolitical turmoil opens the door for tremendous opportunities and long-term growth potential. Albania has consistently flown under the radar until just the last few years. The underdeveloped competitive landscape makes the Balkans ideal for energy diversification and expansion opportunities. As the country moves toward membership within the European Union, we look forward to working with Albanian companies to meet the challenges of the European regulatory environment.
