III. CHARITY AND PHILANTHROPY AFTER 1990S After 1990s, similarly to other East European countries, in Albania the transformation of the system was accompanied by an important political and economic transformation towards a democratic society and an open market, the return of private property and free competition. Important reforms were undertaken such as the liberalization of the market, privatization of state enterprises in strategic sectors and the development of the private sector. Transition and social and economic development challenges were too great to be addressed in the context of a new political system, poor economy, weakening of institutions, mentality of a society that had been isolated for 45 years and increase of unemployment. The development of free initiative established the conditions for the flourishing of many private initiatives impacting the economy growth and development society in the country. Establishment of non-profit organizations and the development of civic society, were other development factors and which had an important contribution in the economic and social development. These developments established the conditions for revival of the charitable and philanthropic activity. The study has not gone into depth about analyzing the development of charity and philanthropy after 1990s, given that this was not the scope of this study. The relatively close period to the time when the study was carried out, the limited philanthropic activity during these 20 years and the lack of documentation on this activity both by the individuals and the state require another study approach. Assessing as very important the analysis of the philanthropic activity during this time, Partners Albania has undertaken and will be undertaking more thorough studies in the field. As part of its research work, in the context of promoting the development of philanthropy in Albania, Partners Albania conducted in spring 2000 a study on businesses and their participation in philanthropic activities.366 As part of the study in which 140 businesses took part country wide, Partners Albania identified a relatively high percentage of philanthropic activity carried out by different businesses in various sectors such as, finance, construction, transportation and telecommunication, extractive and processing industry, hotels and tourism industry and others. 366. Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy, Survey Report: www.partnersalbania.org
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