TIRANA, Feb 6 /ATA/ – Albanian government plans to launch a sovereign guarantee fund to support investment projects on development of the country’s agriculture this year, as part of the ambitious goal to hit 1 billion euros in agricultural exports by 2030, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anila Denaj said on Thursday.
In her remarks at the roundtable discussion on the topic: “Crediting the Agricultural Sector: Identifying ways and creating instruments for quality progress in crediting the agricultural sector” in Tirana, Denaj voiced the government commitment to supporting agriculture, as one of the main pillars of the country’s economy that employs 33% of the workforce in rural areas and has significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.
Agriculture Minister underlined that Albania’s farm exports have increased 10.5% in the last decade, totaling 471 000 metric tons, with a value of 532 million euros in 2024.
According to her, the area of green houses has doubled to 2200 hectares from only 1000 hectares in 2015.
Denaj highlighted that the government is working on a sovereign fund scheme, which will cover 70% of the loan principal.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on agricultural financing earlier today, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new 250 million euro funding line for small and medium-sized enterprises, backed by the Bank of Albania and second-tier banks.
The government will also act as a guarantor for investments in greenhouses, agri-processing, fishing, aquaculture, agritourism, and tech innovation in rural areas.
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