TIRANA, June 24 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Wednesday the government will prioritize the redevelopment of former industrial zones, expansion of local cultural tourism and broader support for start-ups as part of its territorial development programme linked to EU integration goals.
Speaking with local government representatives, Rama said abandoned industrial sites had been identified in cooperation with municipalities and that planning models for their transformation were already in place.
He also highlighted the development of municipal museums as a key element in strengthening tourism outside major centres, saying local authorities would play a central role in implementation.
On innovation policy, Rama said the Startups Albania programme would be expanded beyond Tirana, noting rising demand and the need to encourage participation in smaller municipalities.
“The number of applications is highly unbalanced, with Tirana dominating,” he said, adding that efforts were needed to raise awareness among young people across the country.
Rama also said joint companies between municipalities and local businesses and farmers were already being established and would be further developed alongside a new programme aimed at supporting entrepreneurship.
“These initiatives are part of a broader effort that requires engagement from local authorities to ensure balanced development across the country,” he said.
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