TIRANA, April 14 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Tuesday urged the Albanian diaspora to invest in the country’s mountainous regions under a new government initiative, saying a boom in tourism is creating profitable opportunities.
Speaking at the Albanian Diaspora Summit, themed “Through our roots we rise,” Rama presented the “Mountain Package” as both a practical measure and a symbolic outreach to Albanians living abroad.
He said the scheme is designed to unlock opportunities for those who left mountainous areas in search of better prospects overseas, enabling them to turn inherited land and properties into sustainable income.
Albania’s mountains, long isolated from development and historically used as places of refuge, are now poised to play a greater role in the country’s economy, he said.
“For the first time in our history, we have an Albania trusted by the world and a diaspora that trusts Albania,” Rama said, pointing to rising tourist numbers, including visitors exploring remote areas, and growing interest among expatriates.
He called on diaspora members who own land or homes in mountainous and hilly regions to make use of the scheme, arguing that tourism growth – which he said draws around 12 million visitors annually – offers viable returns.
Rama said income generated from such investments could exceed earnings many Albanians make working abroad.
“What Albania can offer today, backed by their investment and government support, is a new source of prosperity that can generate higher monthly income than working for others outside the country,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of a globally connected, educated and influential Albanian diaspora as a bridge between countries, cultures and economic opportunities.
Whether they choose to return or remain abroad, diaspora Albanians have a key role in the country’s development and stand to benefit more from closer engagement, he added.
Rama said the summit marked a shift in ties between Albanians at home and abroad – from emotional connection to a more concrete, strategic partnership.
“Today is important not simply because we are gathered, but because we are strengthening this relationship – from distance to closeness, from memory to engagement, from sentiment to strategy,” he said.
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