TIRANA, Aug 19 /ATA/ – The Qukës–Qafë Plloçë road segment, part of the strategic Corridor VIII, is approaching its final stages of construction, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Tuesday through a social media post accompanied by new photographs from the site.
Describing the view as “a new perspective toward the southeast,” Rama emphasized the strategic importance of this road project, which is set to transform transportation and economic dynamics in the region.
The segment will serve as a vital link between the Tirana–Elbasan highway and the southeastern parts of the country, including the cities of Korçë and Pogradec, as well as the Kapshticë border crossing with Greece.
Once completed, the Qukës–Qafë Plloçë road will significantly reduce travel time between Tirana and Korçë and facilitate the movement of goods from the Port of Durrës toward southeastern Albania and beyond. This will have a direct impact on the efficiency of freight transport, lowering logistical costs for businesses and improving regional trade.
The project is also expected to bring considerable benefits to the tourism sector. By enhancing road access to destinations such as Pogradec and Korçë, known for their cultural heritage and natural beauty, the road is likely to attract more domestic and international visitors. Improved infrastructure will enable easier year-round access to these areas, promoting tourism beyond the traditional summer season.
In addition to tourism and trade, the Qukës-Qafë Plloçë segment is set to stimulate local development in the rural areas of Mokër and the surrounding villages. By shortening the distance between these communities and the national road network, the project will help local farmers, artisans, and small businesses access larger markets and services. The increased accessibility is also expected to reduce rural isolation, encourage new investments, and create job opportunities, particularly in construction, logistics, and agritourism.
The completion of this road segment is part of a broader national infrastructure strategy aimed at improving mobility, regional integration, and economic development, while aligning with European connectivity initiatives under Corridor VIII, a planned transport route designed to connect the Adriatic and Black Seas.
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