TIRANA, July 29 /ATA/ Albania is supporting investment in agro-processing, stronger links between farmers and businesses, and the growth of agricultural exports through government measures and financing schemes, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said.
Salla made the remarks during a visit to Fenix, an Elbasan-based company that focuses on increasing the value of Albanian products and specialises in processing olives, olive oil and fish products.
Salla praised the company’s development, saying that investments in modern technology and support through public policies had helped boost production, employment and exports.
“Through investments in modern technology, support from the National Scheme and, more recently, the launch of its ‘Toka’ brand, the company has expanded its operations, created more jobs and strengthened cooperation with more than 100 local farmers, while its products are exported to the United States, Canada and European markets,” the minister said.
He said the case of Fenix demonstrates that investment in agricultural processing and the agro-industry can create greater added value for domestic production, increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen the competitiveness of Albanian products in international markets.
Salla said the government would maintain its support for businesses seeking to expand their production and processing operations through the “Double Your Business” programme.
“The ‘Double Your Business’ initiative is helping companies invest, increase processing capacity, create new employment opportunities and strengthen the presence of ‘Made in Albania’ products in international markets,” he said.
The “Double Your Business” programme, introduced by the government, aims to improve businesses’ access to finance through concessional loans and sovereign guarantees, encouraging investment in production, processing and export-oriented sectors.
The programme supports companies seeking to expand their operations, increase production capacity, create new jobs and contribute to the growth of Albanian product exports.
In the agriculture and agro-processing sectors, the initiative is expected to support technological modernisation, increase the added value of agricultural products and strengthen links between processing industries and farmers, improving the competitiveness of Albanian products in regional and international markets.
Through the “Double Your Business” programme, eligible companies can access loans of up to 200 million lek, with interest rates ranging from 2% to 3%, while the state covers up to 70% of the credit risk through a sovereign guarantee.
The financing can be used for investments in machinery and equipment, technology upgrades, expansion of production and processing capacity, digitalisation, certification and other measures aimed at improving business competitiveness.
The programme has a total fund of 250 million euros, while applications will remain open until 20 November 2027 and can be submitted through participating commercial banks that have joined the initiative.
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